Low-cost airline easyJet is looking to fill a cabin crew shortfall by recruiting over-45s and ’empty nesters’ looking for a new career. Tony McDonough reports
People over 45 looking for a new career can now reach for the skies thanks to a new recruitment campaign by low-cost airline easyJet.
With more than 25 routes out of Liverpool John Lennon Airport alone, easyJet is one of Europe’s biggest airlines. In all it operates almost 1,000 routes, opening in 34 countries. However, the aviation sector is currently facing a recruitment problem.
Spring 2022 saw multiple delays at UK airports as the industry struggled to cope with the post-pandemic demand for air travel. In particular any cabin crew had left the industry and found other careers.
Now easyJet is aiming to address the shortfall with a recruitment campaign to appeal to more mature applicants. It has already seen a 27% increase of cabin crew over the age of 45 since 2018.
And its latest campaign aims to show a career as cabin crew is open to anyone with the right skills, regardless of age. It is targeting the so-called “empty-nesters”, people who want to take on a new challenge after their children leave home.
A series of new recruitment ads feature real cabin crew including Mike Tear, 57, Carlos Santa Monica, 48, and Karen Brodie, 54.
Another joiner, Neil, 59, followed in the footsteps of daughter Holly, 29, to become cabin crew in 2019 having previously worked in engineering and sales.
He said: “I decided I needed a new challenge and wanted a job I could enjoy and would look forward to work each day. Knowing how much Holly loved the job and with her encouragement I applied.”
EasyJet believes with their wealth of life experience and transferable skills, such as customer service and people management, people over 45 can make ideal candidates for the job.
Neil added: “I found myself in Luton academy for training and I have loved it ever since.”
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Karen, 54, and Daniela, 21, a mother and daughter, are also both easyJet cabin crew who started flying with the airline this year.
Mum Karen, who previously worked as a holiday rep while living in Spain, was inspired by her daughter to apply to become cabin crew as she was looking for a change of career.
She explained: “I’ve always loved travelling and exploring new places, and I’m a real people person. I was recently after a complete career change, and I wanted to be cabin crew when I was younger. So when Daniela started her role with easyJet I was inspired to try it myself. And I’m so glad I did.”
Michael Brown, director of cabin services for easyJet, added: “All our brilliant crew who are part of our new campaign are a great example of how being cabin crew is a fantastic job no matter what your age and so we want to encourage even more people like them to join us.
“If you’ve got a passion for travel and people and want a job that’s different every day, then we can’t wait to welcome you on board as part of the team.”
For more information about a career as cabin crew with easyJet click here.