easyJet has launched a campaign to recruit more silver cabin crew. It says the numbers of over 50s and 60s have more than doubled (+127%) and almost quadrupled respectively since 1922, when it moved to attract older adults to its workforce. Now 12% of its cabin crew are over 50. Two years ago the airline announced its “Returnships” initiative, offereng free in person and online cabin crew taster sessions for hundreds such people, who were interested in changing careers at that stage in their of lives. The programme followed research that showed nearly three quarters (74%) agreed it was the perfect age to change careers and 67% had considered returning to work. However, before applying, over a quarter (28%) assumed cabin crew was a job for younger workers, with 46% concerned that they’d be the oldest in their cohort. An example was Francesca Hicks. A 64 years old who had worked as a secretary and as a nurse for those living with dementia, she was looking for an opportunity to adapt her skills and broaden her horizons. She attended a taster open day, submitted a formal application, and after a series of interviews joined its cabin crew training course. Eighteen months on, she is now fully trained and by the time of writin she had made over 250 flights. Michael Brown, its cabin services director says: ““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.”
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