EasyJet is looking to recruit older cabin crew after seeing a 27% increase in those over the age of 45 since 2018.
And the airline has seen a 30% increase in those over 60 in the last year.
A new campaign, launched this week, targets empty-nesters or anyone looking for a new career challenge later in life.
The airline said the latest recruitment drive follows its recent survey of 2,000 British adults over 45 which showed that 78% would like to take on a new challenge once their children have left home.
Over half said (58%) they were most excited about starting a new career.
The new recruitment campaign has been launched with a series of new ads featuring real life cabin crew who joined easyJet in the past year including Mike Tear, aged 57, Gary Fellowes, 63, and Carlos Santa Monica, 48.
EasyJet said those with transferable skills such as customer service and people management were ideal candidates for the job.
The campaign launch comes during National Older Workers Week, which is taking place from 21 to 25 November.
Latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions show there are over nine million 50+ workers on payrolls, an increase of more than 210,000 since last year.
Neil, 59, followed in the footsteps of daughter Holly, 29, to become cabin crew in 2019 having previously worked in engineering and sales.
“I decided I needed a new challenge and wanted a job I could enjoy and would look forward to work each day. Knowing how much Holly loved the job and with her encouragement I applied and found myself in Luton academy for training and I have loved it ever since,” he said.
Karen, 54, and Daniela, 21, a mother and daughter, are also both easyJet cabin crew who started flying with the airline this year. Mum, Karen, who previously worked as a holiday rep while living in Spain, was inspired by her daughter to apply to become cabin crew as she was looking for a change of career.
“I’ve always loved travelling and exploring new places, and I’m a real people person. I was recently after a complete career change, and I wanted to be cabin crew when I was younger, so when Daniela started her role with easyJet I was inspired to try it myself. And I’m so glad I did!”
The survey also revealed that many ‘empty nesters’ are now turning to their children as motivation for seeking out a new vocation, with over two thirds (67%) feeling inspired by their children’s career success and growth.
One fifth (20%) of parents even said they would love to work in the same company as their children to spend more time with them.
Top 10 New Career Choices for parents over 45:
- Charity worker/volunteer (39%)
- Paramedic (29%)
- Teacher (28%)
- Librarian (27%)
- Airline cabin crew (26%)
- Tradesperson e.g.: carpenter or electrician (24%)
- Civil service (22%)
- Chef (18%)
- Receptionist (16%)
- Driving instructor (14%)
For more information about a career as cabin crew with easyJet visit: https://careers.easyjet.com/cabin-crew/
