easyJet has unveiled a new recruitment initiative aimed at attracting over-50s, career changers, and those looking to ‘unretire' into cabin crew roles. The airline's new programme, dubbed ‘Returnships', comes in response to research indicating that 74% of over-50s believe now is the perfect time to embark on a new career, with 67% considering returning to the workforce.
As part of this campaign, easyJet will offer free online cabin crew information sessions and a hands-on training taster session at its London Gatwick training centre. These sessions are designed to give prospective applicants an insight into the role and provide guidance from the airline's crew training and recruitment experts.
Since launching its first campaign in 2022, which highlighted that anyone with the right skills, regardless of age, can become cabin crew, easyJet has seen the number of new recruits aged over 50 more than double. The number of those over 60 joining as cabin crew has quadrupled.
With recent ONS data showing a rise in employment rates among the over-50s, easyJet is keen to encourage more individuals from this experienced and skilled demographic to apply for the hundreds of cabin crew positions available across its UK bases for 2025.
New research conducted by the airline, surveying 2,000 Britons over the age of 50, revealed that 67% have considered returning to work, with nearly half (46%) contemplating a new career. The majority cited a desire for a new challenge (82%), the pursuit of new experiences (77%), and the opportunity to achieve a dream job (66%) as their primary motivations.
When asked about their reasons for seeking a new career, over a third said they enjoyed working and staying active, while a similar number expressed a desire to find a role they were passionate about (30%). Furthermore, 74% agreed that the ideal time for a career change is after 50, citing the wealth of transferable skills and experiences they've gained, and 40% noted they had more freedom, such as from children having left home.
The survey also revealed that over-50s are seeking new experiences (37%), variety (35%), and opportunities to learn new skills (34%) in a new job, with 31% looking for the chance to meet more people. However, despite recognising their strengths in problem-solving (54%), communication (48%), interpersonal skills (47%), and training others (46%), over a quarter (28%) felt disadvantaged compared to younger candidates, and 20% were unsure if they would qualify.
When it comes to becoming cabin crew, 71% of those surveyed believed their age would be a barrier, with 16% mistakenly thinking they couldn't apply if over the age of 30. Additionally, 49% incorrectly assumed the role would require long periods away from home, and 32% doubted it would offer the flexibility they desired. A quarter (24%) thought a second language was necessary for the role.
easyJet's ‘Returnship' initiative aims to dispel these misconceptions by offering those curious about the career the opportunity to learn more about the job and application process directly from easyJet's recruitment and training experts. Participants will also hear from current cabin crew members who made the career switch in their 50s.
