EasyJet has kickstarted a recruitment drive targeting workers over 50, continuing a 2022 initiative that significantly increased the number of cabin crew aged 50 and over.

Older cabin crew members bring a wealth of prior skills from diverse careers and have trained to become fully qualified crew, with examples like a 64-year-old recruit who has flown 250+ times.

The airline’s director of cabin services says over-50 hires contribute valuable life experience and skills that uphold EasyJet’s high service standards.

The recruitment process will include online applications, assessment days, and specialized training at EasyJet’s UK training centers.

The campaign emphasizes life experience over industry knowledge, seeking candidates with at least six months in customer-facing roles and attributes such as clear communication, composure under pressure, teamwork, responsibility, and empathetic problem-solving.

Physical and safety requirements cover no visible tattoos on head/face/neck, ability to sell onboard products (including alcohol), swimming ability of at least 25 meters, ability to inflate life vests and operate lifeboats, medical fitness per UK CAA or EASA standards, and safe seating in a jump seat.

Analysts note the shift in aviation staffing from an entry-level role to a viable second or third career, addressing broader recruitment challenges in travel and hospitality.

Media coverage frames cabin crew as a multi-stage career path, reflecting a broader redefinition beyond traditional entry-level expectations.

Passenger rights under UK261/EU261/2004 remain unchanged by crew demographics; compensation and care depend on disruption causes rather than crew age.

The drive is powered by a Returnship program targeting late-career changers, focusing on transferable skills from sectors like military and retail rather than aging itself.

EasyJet runs the Returnship and other campaigns to demystify cabin crew careers for late-career entrants, highlighting life experience and transferable skills.

All cabin crew receive identical safety training regardless of age, with older recruits fitting well into customer-facing roles.