EasyJet says the number of cabin crew over the age of 50 has more than doubled – with over-60s almost quadrupling – and so it has extended a new recruitment push
Easyjet cabin crew members smile for a snap at Gatwick Airport(Image: David Parry/PA Media Assignments)
Budget airline easyJet is launching a new recruitment drive to hire more older workers as cabin crew.
The no-frills carrier says it follows the success of a previous initiative in 2022, with the number of cabin crew over the age of 50 more than doubling to over 600, and over-60s almost quadrupling.
With a new recruitment push for hundreds of new crew roles for 2027 set to open next month, the airline wants to encourage even more to join.
Among those to take the plunge was Francesca Hicks, 64, a former secretary and nurse for those living with dementia. She attended a taster open day, submitted her formal application, and completed a series of interviews before joining her easyJet cabin crew training course. Eighteen months on, she is now a fully trained cabin crew member and has taken to the skies over 250 times.
Francesca said: “When the opportunity to join easyJet as cabin crew came up, I jumped at the chance. I knew I already held all the skills required for the job, but it gave me another way to use my communication, organisation and interpersonal skills in a new and exciting setting.
“The reception both I and my fellow new joiners have received has been overwhelmingly positive. This, and the experiences I’ve had over the past 18 months, have given me a confidence and sense of fulfilment that I’ll take with me through the next stage of my career.”
EasyJet says the new wave of older workers has brought years of experience, and signficant enthusiasm.
It added that many people assume cabin crew is a job for younger workers, and worried they would be the oldest in the team.
Michael Brown, its director of cabin services at easyJet, said: “We want more over-50s to apply as they not only bring their existing skills to excel in a career at easyJet, but also a wealth of life experience that is appreciated by our customers and colleagues alike, which is at the heart of the fantastic service our crew are known for.”
Employment minister Andrew Western said: “Supportive employers like easyJet know the breadth of experience over-50s can bring to the workforce and it shows what can be achieved when this is valued.”
EasyJet says the increase in more over 50s had also brought a strong “culture of mentorship” amongst easyJet’s crew. Over half of its older workers surveyed said they feel like a mentor to younger colleagues.
Nearly seven in 10 crew say that travellers of all ages are happy to see different generations represented on board.
Applications open from September, with opportunities available across the airline’s UK bases.