easyJet expands recruitment drive for older cabin crew

easyJet has announced a new recruitment drive aimed at attracting more workers aged over 50 to cabin crew roles, building on an initiative first launched in 2022. The airline said the number of cabin crew over the age of 50 has more than doubled since then, while the number of over-60s has almost quadrupled.

The move comes as easyJet seeks to challenge what it described as a long-standing image of the aviation industry. In a statement, the airline said: "For decades, the image of the aviation industry was rigid: young female cabin crew and older male pilots. As easyJet enters its 30th year, that stereotype is being dismantled."

The company cited a global talent crunch and shifting demographics as reasons for turning to underrepresented groups, adding that its workforce now "looks far more like the public it serves—diverse in age, gender, and background."

Career change and happiness

easyJet's own research suggested that most adults who made a career change after the age of 50 reported an improvement in their happiness. The airline also acknowledged that many people assume cabin crew is a job for younger workers and worry about being the oldest on a team.

Michael Brown, easyJet's director of cabin services, said: "It's been incredibly encouraging to see the number of cabin crew over 50 more than double since 2022 – evidence that many are increasingly viewing cabin crew as a fantastic career pivot regardless of age."

He added: "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."

The recruitment push is part of a campaign called "Returnships," designed to encourage empty-nesters and early retirees back into the workforce.

Employment minister Andrew Western welcomed the initiative, saying: "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."

Application details and requirements

Applications open from September, with opportunities available across easyJet's UK bases. According to the airline's website, no previous flying experience is needed to apply as cabin crew, and training is provided. The website states: "We'll give you all the training you need to feel confident from day one."

Prospective crew members should be prepared to work a roster that includes early starts, late finishes, and weekends. After 12 months of working as crew, employees can apply to become a cabin manager.

Newcastle Airport is among easyJet's newest bases, which the Evening Chronicle noted could bring opportunities to the North East.

Building on 2022 success

The latest drive follows the 2022 initiative that first encouraged older workers to consider cabin crew roles. easyJet's figures show that the number of crew aged over 50 has more than doubled since that initiative began, with the number of over-60s almost quadrupling.

While the airline's own statistics underline the growth in older crew members, the company is now seeking to build on that momentum by encouraging more over-50s to apply. The recruitment campaign is part of a broader effort to diversify its workforce, which easyJet says benefits both customers and colleagues.