Designing an AI-Enhanced ESP Program for Airline Cabin Services: Integrating Learner Coaching and ChatGPT

This study aims to develop an AI-enhanced ESP program tailored for pre-service airline cabin crew. Grounded in theories highlighting the synergy between AI technologies and learner coaching in language education, this program integrates ChatGPT and personalized coaching to address students’ unique linguistic and professional needs. Based on in-depth interviews with 10 experienced flight attendants, this study resulted in a structured 10-session syllabus focused on essential service scenarios and procedures for cabin crew operations. The course utilizes interactive, AI-enhanced learning environments to provide real-time feedback, supporting structured learning outcomes in procedural language tasks and enhancing students’ readiness for professional responsibilities in aviation settings. Integrating learner coaching within the ESP framework emphasizes individualized approaches to language education, contributing to more effective skill development. While this study is limited to program development and does not include practical implementation or empirical validation of learning outcomes, it lays the groundwork for future research on program effectiveness in real-world settings. It is suggested that future studies focus on experimental assessments to evaluate the program’s impact on language proficiency and job performance.