EasyJet cabin crew are being recruited and trained to support the NHS as part of the nationwide effort to distribute the Covid-19 vaccine.
The airline wrote to the prime minister in November to offer support for the national Covid-19 vaccination programme, as there are 3,000 crew members who have first-aid training and security clearance.
Hundreds are expected to sign up across the UK, as easyJet has crew in London, Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast.
Crew who apply will be fast-tracked to become trained vaccinators at NHS vaccination centres and will undergo online coaching and onsite immunisation training to become fully qualified in administering the vaccine.
Last year, cabin crew volunteers with first-aid skills supported clinical services in NHS Nightingale hospitals and airline staff volunteered as NHS responders.
EasyJet cabin crew and pilots have also been volunteering through the Project Wingman charity to provide well-being support to frontline clinical staff in 85 hospitals.
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Johan Lundgren, easyJet chief executive, said: “We are incredibly proud that once again our pilots and crew can help to support the NHS and that we can play our part for the nation at this time – and I know so many of them will step up to help at this challenging time for the country.
“Once rolled out, [the vaccination programme] will enable normal life to return and is undoubtedly the key to unlocking travel again and enabling travel for work, to visit friends and family or for a much-needed holiday.”
Katy Bryant, who has been cabin crew for easyJet since 2005, has applied to become a vaccinator.
She said: “Like everyone, I’m incredibly grateful to our NHS and all frontline healthcare workers for all they continue to do for the country with the continued pressure they are facing from the virus, so when the opportunity came for cabin crew to assist the NHS as vaccinators I knew I wanted to apply.
“As cabin crew we are in a great position to support the vaccination effort because of the first aid and safety-focused training we receive for our job, so I am sure I will be joined by many of my fellow cabin crew at easyJet who will want to support the NHS in the vital roll-out of the vaccine across the country.”
