Major low-cost airline easyJet has launched a new recruitment initiative called ‘Returnships’ aimed at attracting a diverse range of candidates.
The target audience includes people over 50 years of age, career changers, and individuals looking to return to work after retirement.
Recent research by the airline revealed that three-quarters of over 50s (74%) believe now is the perfect time for a new career. Of this demographic, 67% have considered returning to work.
Information Sessions at Gatwick Airport
To capitalize on this trend, easyJet is offering free online cabin crew career information sessions and hands-on training sessions.
These will be conducted at its London Gatwick cabin crew training center. The sessions will enable interested individuals to learn more about the job from the airline’s experts.
“Being cabin crew can be a job for anyone with the right skills, no matter their age,” said Michael Brown, Director of Cabin Services at easyJet.
“This is why it’s important that through initiatives like our ‘Returnship’ campaign, we tackle misconceptions and broaden horizons for even more talented people looking for a new opportunity.”
Furthermore, the carrier launched its first campaign in 2022 to demonstrate that anyone with the right skills can become cabin crew regardless of age.
Since then, easyJet has seen a significant increase in new hires over 50, with the number of over 60s joining as cabin crew quadrupling.
The Rise in Over 50 Employment
With the latest ONS data showing a rise in the employment rate for those over 50, easyJet is keen to encourage more experienced and skilled individuals from this demographic.
Moreover, they have encouraged people to apply for the hundreds of cabin crew roles available across the UK for 2025.
The new research by easyJet also revealed that 67% of over 50s have considered a career change. The primary motivations include a desire for new challenges (82%), the pursuit of a dream job (66%), and the wealth of transferable skills and experiences they possess (63%).
“I’ve always loved the idea of working in aviation, but I never thought it was a realistic option for me, being over 50,” said Sarah, a recent cabin crew recruit who joined easyJet after a career in retail.
“The ‘Returnship’ initiative gave me the confidence to apply, and I’m so glad I did. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I get to use my customer service skills in a whole new environment.”
Despite these positive attitudes, many over 50s still harbor misconceptions about becoming cabin crew. 71% believe their age would prevent them from being accepted, and 49% mistakenly thinking the role requires long periods away from home.
“When I first told my friends and family I was considering a career change to become cabin crew, they were quite surprised,” said John, another new cabin crew member in his 60s.
“A lot of people still have this idea that it’s a young person’s job, but easyJet has really shown that there’s a place for experienced individuals like myself who are looking for a new challenge.”
easyJet’s ‘Returnship’ initiative aims to address these misconceptions and provide a clear path for those interested in the cabin crew role.
Conclusion
Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the job and application process directly from easyJet’s recruitment and training experts, as well as hearing from current cabin crew who made the transition later in life.
With the airline industry bouncing back from the pandemic, easyJet is eager to tap into the experienced and skilled over 50s demographic to fill its growing number of cabin crew positions.
By challenging stereotypes and providing hands-on training and support, the ‘Returnship’ initiative aims to make the cabin crew role an attractive and accessible option for a wider range of candidates.
easyJet’s Returnship recruitment events are now live, with free places on its online careers events and Cabin Crew Open Day available to book via this link.
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