EasyJet is expanding its recruitment drive to employ more older workers as cabin crew.
Since the launch of an initiative to recruit older workers in 2022, the number of cabin crew over the age of 50 has more than doubled, while the number of over-60s has almost quadrupled.
EasyJet says research shows that most adults who made a career change after the age of 50 report an improvement in their happiness.
Many people assume that cabin crew is a job for younger workers and worry that they would be the oldest on the team, research shows.
Today, 12 percent of easyJet’s cabin crew are over 50 years old – and since 2022, the airline has increased the number of cabin crew over 50 by 127 percent.
The Luton-based company said 80 percent of British adults who changed careers after the age of 50 reported an improvement in their overall happiness
Key motivators include regaining a sense of control over life and work (78 percent), feeling more capable (74 percent) and increased self-confidence (71 percent).
Among the older cabin crew is Francesca Hicks, 64, who was previously a secretary and nurse for people with dementia.
Cabin crew members Francesca Hicks, Mehdi Lamrani, Andrew Hampson, Nigel Howard, Maddie Barry, Elane Vass, Pilar Roman Palomino and Denise Hobbs at London Gatwick Airport
EasyJet is expanding its recruitment drive to employ more older workers as cabin crew
EasyJet said that since launching an initiative to recruit older workers by 2022, the number of cabin crew aged over 50 has more than doubled, while the number of over-60s has almost quadrupled
Applications will be open from September, with positions available across the airline’s UK bases
She attended a trial open day, submitted her formal application and completed a series of interviews before taking part in cabin crew training.
Some 18 months later, Ms Hicks is now a fully trained cabin crew member and has taken to the skies more than 250 times.
She said: ‘I knew I already had all the skills needed for the job, but it gave me another way to use my communication, organizational and interpersonal skills in a new and exciting environment.’
Michael Brown, director of cabin services at easyJet, said: ‘It is incredibly encouraging to see that the number of cabin crew over 50 has more than doubled since 2022 – proof that many are increasingly viewing cabin crew as a fantastic career asset, regardless of age.
‘We want more over-50s to apply as they bring not only their existing skills to excel in a career with easyJet, but also a wealth of life experience valued by our customers and colleagues alike, which is at the heart of the fantastic service our crew is renowned for.
‘With hundreds of cabin crew roles set to become available across the UK, we want to encourage even more people to apply, and we look forward to seeing this community grow further at easyJet in the years to come.’
Employment Minister Andrew Western said: ‘This is a fantastic opportunity for people to take on a new role in an exciting sector.
‘Supportive employers like easyJet know how much experience over-50s can bring to the workforce – and it shows what can be achieved when this is valued.’
Applications will be open from September, with positions available across the airline’s UK bases.
