easyJet Returnships

Many people over the age of 50 can face age discrimination in the job market. According to UK Government data, a significant number of over-50s feel they’ll be overlooked simply because their perceived “usefulness has passed.” For some sectors, like aviation, this perception is particularly entrenched.

For example, 71% of over-50s believe their age prevents them from joining cabin crew - a job still stereotyped as being for the young. However, middle aged workers are not only eager to work; they often bring exactly the qualities the job demands: experience, composure and strong interpersonal skills - qualities employers value, but too often struggle to attract.

This award entry tells the story of how easyJet launched a new recruitment campaign to encourage over 50s to join the airline, and to show that age isn’t a barrier to becoming cabin crew. We threw open the doors to easyJet’s London Gatwick training centre, offering free sessions and an immersive, hands-on taste of life in the skies from staff who had already made the leap in their 50s and beyond. We coupled this with online training sessions for those unable to attend in person.

Our campaign generated 253 media articles, including 50 pieces of national and broadcast coverage, reaching an audience of 512 million. It also led to a 27% increase in new applications. Most importantly, the airline saw a 26% increase (up from 2023) in new cabin crew starters over 50 years old.