She had worked as a secretary and a dementia nurse. But in her early 60s, Francesca Hicks decided she needed a very different challenge.

Eighteen months on and now 64, she’s racked up more than 250 flights as an easyJet cabin crew member and has a new found 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.

‘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’s not the only one. The number of easyJet cabin crew over 50 has more than doubled in four years, with those over 60 nearly quadrupling.

Airline bosses said the rise followed an initiative launched in 2022 to encourage older workers, including ’empty nesters’, to apply.

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.’

New research from the airline suggests that changing direction at a later stage of life can

there can are many postiviesto changing direction at a later stage of life.

Eight in ten who have embarked on a new career post 50 said their overall happiness had improved, with 65% wishing they’d 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. To find out more visit easyJet Cabin Crew | easyJet Careers.

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