A MAJOR UK airline has launched a new recruitment drive, aiming to hire more older workers as cabin crew.

EasyJet is urging more over-50s to apply to jobs as air hosts and hostesses.

EasyJet is urging over-50s to apply to join its cabin crew team Credit: REUTERS

The airline launched an initiative in 2022 to recruit older workers

Since launching an initiative to recruit older workers in 2022, the number of cabin crew over the age of 50 has now more than doubled, with over-60s almost quadrupling in number, the company said.

Its research suggested that most adults who have made a career change after the age of 50 reported an improvement in their happiness.

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Many people assume cabin crew is a job for younger workers, and worried they would be the oldest in the team, the airline added.

Michael Brown, easyJet director of cabin services, said: “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.

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“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.”

Employment minister Andrew Western said: “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.”

Applications open from September, with opportunities available across the airline’s UK bases.

According to the airline’s website, you don’t need any previous flying experience to apply for a job as cabin crew.

“We’ll give you all the training you need to feel confident from day one,” it says.

You’ll also need to be prepared to work a roster than includes early starts, late finishes and weekends.

You can also apply to be a cabin manager after just 12 months working as crew.