Over-50s easyJet cabin crew doubles following ‘empty nester’ recruitment drive

The number of ‘empty nester’ easyJet cabin crew over the age of 50 has more than doubled in four years.

 

Those aged over 60 have almost quadrupled in numbers since the budget airline began attracting older workers in 2022.

 

The figures were released ahead of a new recruitment drive for hundreds of new crew roles for 2027 set to open next month.

 

Adults over the age of 50 have increasingly pivoted to a career in the skies as cabin crew at easyJet, bringing with them transferable skills, years of experience, and enthusiasm in abundance, according to the airline.

 

New easyJet research showed travel and tourism to be the most attractive sector for a career change after the age of 50, followed by creative arts, media and design, and health, science and care.

 

Top reasons for seeking a job change later in life include wanting more job flexibility (41%), greater job satisfaction and fulfilment (38%), and wanting new experiences (32%).

 

A 2024 ‘returnships’ initiative by the carrier offered free in-person and online cabin crew taster sessions for hundreds of interested career changers over 50, after a study showed nearly three quarters (74%) agreed it was the perfect age to change careers and 67% had considered returning to work.

 

However, prior to applying, over a quarter (28%) assumed cabin crew was a job for younger workers, with 46% concerned that they would be the oldest in their cohort.

 

Yet the rise in more over 50s has brought a strong culture of mentorship among easyJet’s crew.

 

More than half of over 50s surveyed (53%) said they feel like a mentor to younger colleagues, while three quarters (76%) agreed they felt welcome and that age does not matter on board.

 

As many as 68% of crew surveyed said that passengers of all ages were happy to see multi-generational representation on board, while 55% said travellers often express delight at seeing people their own age operating the flight.

 

Former secretary and nurse, 64-year-old Francesca Hicks, said: “When the opportunity to join easyJet as cabin crew came up, I jumped at the chance.

 

“I knew I already held all the skills required for the job, but it gave me another way to use my communication, organisation and interpersonal skills in a new and exciting setting.

 

“The reception both I and my fellow new joiners have received has been overwhelmingly positive. This, and the experiences I’ve had over the past 18 months, have given me a confidence and sense of fulfilment that I’ll take with me through the next stage of my career.”

 

Cabin services director Michael Brown added: “It’s been incredibly encouraging to see the numbers 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.

 

“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 is 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.”

 

Employment minister Andrew Western said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to land a new role in an exciting sector.

 

“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.”