• Leaning on Life Experience: Following a targeted "Returnship" campaign, easyJet has seen a fourfold increase in cabin crew hires over the age of 60.

  • Female Pilots Taking Flight: Through scholarship programs, the airline has tripled the number of female pilots flying its fleet, surpassing the UK industry average.

  • STEM for Gen Z: Beyond the cabin, over 130 apprentices are currently working in high-tech roles ranging from aeronautical engineering to AI and data science.

A Workforce for All Generations

For decades, the image of the aviation industry was rigid: young female cabin crew and older male pilots. As easyJet enters its 30th year, that stereotype is being dismantled. Facing a global talent crunch and a shifting demographic, the airline has turned to underrepresented groups to fill the cockpit and the cabin. The result is a workforce that looks far more like the public it serves—diverse in age, gender, and background. The Data: Changing Demographics The following statistics highlight the shift in recruitment trends over the last decade, showing a move away from traditional hiring patterns.

Recruitment Metric

Key Statistic

Trend Analysis

Over-50s Hires

Doubled since 2022

📈 Rapid Growth

Over-60s Cabin Crew

4x Increase

📈 Rapid Growth

Female Pilots

Tripled in 10 years

📈 Steady Growth

Apprenticeships

130+ Active Roles

🟢 Stable Pipeline

Regional Hire

87% live outside London

🟢 High Decentralization

source: The easyJet Effect report

> Did you know? 74% of over-50s feel it is the perfect time for a new career, yet many previously believed cabin crew roles were only for the young.

Why Experience Matters: The "Returnship" Scheme

The spike in older hires isn't accidental. It follows the launch of "Returnships," a campaign designed to encourage empty-nesters and early retirees back into the workforce.

Neil Brown, 62, joined as cabin crew in 2019 after a career in engineering:

"I decided I needed a new challenge... Knowing how much my daughter Holly loved the job, I applied. I found myself in Luton academy for training and I have loved it ever since."

Recruiting older workers is an economic win-win. According to the Centre for Ageing Better, closing the employment gap for workers over 50 could increase UK GDP by £9 billion a year.

Redressing the Pilot Balance

The cockpit remains one of the most male-dominated workspaces in the world, but the needle is moving. By launching the Amy Johnson Scholarship and engaging with schools, easyJet has tripled its number of female pilots.

Hannah Wells, a First Officer and Pilot Training Manager, emphasizes the importance of visibility:

"I have witnessed first-hand the concept of ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’... It is so important to continue gender-diversity initiatives encouraging women to consider a career path as a pilot."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there an age limit to becoming cabin crew?

A: No. Age is just a number. easyJet actively recruits people over 50 and even over 60 through its "Returnship" program. The number of new hires over the age of 60 has increased fourfold in recent years, proving that life experience is a valuable asset in customer service.

Q: How is easyJet supporting female pilots?

A: The airline has tripled the number of female pilots in the last decade through initiatives like the Amy Johnson Scholarship and the Gender Equality Network. They are actively targeting schools and career fairs to ensure young women see piloting as a viable career option.

Q: What apprenticeships are available in aviation?

A: Modern aviation requires more than just pilots. easyJet currently employs over 130 apprentices in diverse fields such as Aeronautical Engineering, Data Science, AI, and Legal services, offering a debt-free route to a high-skilled career.

Additional Reading