Wish you were here? EasyJet extends drive to hire over-50s cabin crew as adults who make late career change 'report an improvement in happiness'

By MARK DUELL, DEPUTY CHIEF REPORTER (DIGITAL) Published: 07:22, 25 August 2026 | Updated: 07:27, 25 August 2026 EasyJet is extending its recruitment drive as it aims to hire more older workers as cabin crew. Since launching an initiative to recruit older workers in 2022, the number of cabin crew over the age of 50 has more than doubled, with over-60s almost quadrupling. EasyJet said its research suggested most adults who have made a career change after the age of 50 reported an improvement in their happiness. Many people assume cabin crew is a job for younger workers and worried they would be the oldest in the team, research showed. Today, 12 per cent of easyJet cabin crew are over the age of 50 – and since 2022, the airline has increased the number of over 50s cabin crew by 127 per cent. The Luton-based company said 80 per cent of UK adults who have made a career change after 50 reported an improvement in their overall happiness Key drivers include regaining a sense of control over life and work (78 per cent), feeling more capable (74 per cent) and increased confidence (71 per cent). Among the older cabin crew staff is Francesca Hicks, 64, who was previously a former secretary and nurse for people living with dementia. Cabin crew members Francesca Hicks, Mehdi Lamrani, Andrew Hampson, Nigel Howard, Maddie Barry, Elane Vass, Pilar Roman Palomino and Denise Hobbs at London Gatwick Airport EasyJet is extending its recruitment drive as it aims to hire more older workers as cabin crew EasyJet said that since launching an initiative to recruit older workers in 2022, the number of cabin crew over the age of 50 has more than doubled, with over-60s almost quadrupling Applications open from September, with roles available across the airline's UK bases She attended a taster open day, submitted her formal application and completed a series of interviews before joining a cabin crew training course. Some 18 months on, Ms Hicks is now a fully trained cabin crew member and has taken to the skies over 250 times. She said: 'I knew I already held all the skills required for the job, but it gave me another way to use my communication, organisation and interpersonal skills in a new and exciting setting.' Michael Brown, director of cabin services at easyJet, said: 'It's been incredibly encouraging to see the numbers of cabin crew over 50 more than double since 2022 – evidence that many are increasingly viewing cabin crew as a fantastic career pivot regardless of age. '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 is known for. 'With hundreds of cabin crew roles set to be available across the UK, we would encourage even more to apply, and we look forward to seeing this community at easyJet grow further in the years to come.' Employment minister Andrew Western said: 'This is a fantastic opportunity for people to land a new role in an exciting sector. 'Supportive employers like easyJet know the breadth of experience over 50s can bring to the workforce – and it shows what can be achieved when this is valued.' Applications open from September, with roles available across the airline's UK bases.