Francesca Hicks, a former secretary and dementia nurse, decided in her early 60s that she needed a very different challenge. Eighteen months on, now aged 64, she has completed more than 250 flights as an easyJet cabin crew member and gained a newfound sense of confidence.
‘When the opportunity to join easyJet came up, I jumped at the chance,’ Francesca 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.’
Positive reception for new joiners
‘The reception both I, and my fellow new joiners have received has been overwhelmingly positive. This, and the experiences I’ve had over the past 18 months has given me a confidence and sense of fulfilment that I’ll take with me through the next stage of my career,’ she added.
Francesca is not alone. The number of easyJet cabin crew over 50 has more than doubled in four years, while those over 60 have nearly quadrupled. Airline bosses said the rise followed an initiative launched in 2022 to encourage older workers, including ‘empty nesters’, to apply.
Recruitment drive for older workers
The company is now doubling down on its push to attract older workers, with a new recruitment drive launching next month. Michael Brown, director of cabin services, described the rise as ‘incredibly encouraging’.
‘It’s evidence that many are increasingly viewing cabin crew as a fantastic career pivot regardless of age,’ he said. ‘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 customers and colleagues alike.’
Later-life career changes bring benefits
New research from the airline suggests that changing direction at a later stage of life can bring many positives. Eight in ten who have embarked on a new career after 50 said their overall happiness had improved, with 65% wishing they had done it sooner. Meanwhile, four in five saw their age as an asset in the workplace and believed they brought valuable skills including problem-solving (40%), strong communication (33%) and the ability to stay calm in stressful situations (35%).
Applications to become easyJet cabin crew open from September 2026.
