Budget airline easyJet (U2) has launched a new over-50s recruitment drive along with commissioned demographic research from Censuswide. The airline first started this initiative in 2022 and revealed this has more than doubled the number (+127 percent) of its cabin crew aged over 50, which now constitute 10 percent of its total cabin crew.
Initiatives
The easyJet ‘Returnships’ initiative in 2024 offered prospective employees aged over 50, taster cabin crew sessions, both in-person and online. Prior to applying, 29 percent of these applicants reported they assumed cabin crew work was a job for younger people. Almost half (46 percent) said they were concerned they would be the oldest in their cohort. After successfully applying, figures show that the majority of older employees, between 75 percent and 85 percent, felt supported and valued, found the training built confidence faster than expected, and were pleased with how multigenerational and welcoming the team was.
Michael Brown, 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. With hundreds of cabin crew roles set to be available across the UK, we would encourage even more to apply, and we look forward to seeing this community at easyJet grow further in the years to come.”
‘Empty nesters’
Censuswide also provided easyJet with data from 801 UK adults aged over 50 who had made a significant career change since turning 50. As many as 80 percent reported an improvement in their overall happiness and 88 percent would encourage others in their age group to learn a new skill. The travel and tourism industry was also reported to be the most attractive sector for a career change.
In 2022, easyJet also launched a recruitment campaign to target young people and underrepresented groups in the aviation industry.
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