A parent, a former gymnast and DJ are the stars of a new easyJet recruitment campaign, encouraging people from all walks of life to train to become an airline pilot.
For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, easyJet is re-opening its pilot training programme. To support future growth opportunities, the airline is recruiting over 1000 new pilots over the next five years.
The new ad campaign, featuring real-life easyJet pilots, aims to highlight that everyone has the potential to turn their skills and passions towards becoming an airline pilot.
Mother of two, Captain Iris de Kan, is seen in one of the ads with 5-year-old daughter Kiki.
Former gymnast and now Senior First Officer with easyJet, Nina Le is featured performing a split leap on the tarmac, showcasing her fantastic reactions and hand-eye coordination - key skills for aspiring pilots.
EasyJet Senior First Officer Aaron Moseley, a former resident DJ, transitioned from the club decks to the flight deck by training to become a pilot for easyJet seven years ago.
Easyjet is also focusing on encouraging more women to become airline pilots to address the gender imbalance in the industry.
Johan Lundgren said: "We are delighted to be reopening our pilot training programme again for the first time since the pandemic hit and will see us recruit over 1000 new pilots in the coming years. easyJet has long championed greater diversity in the flight deck and this series of ads aims to highlight the extraordinary breadth of skills our pilots have and show that pilots can be found in all walks of life, in a bid to attract more diverse candidates.
“We continue to focus on challenging gendered stereotypes of the career having doubled the number of female pilots flying with us in recent years. We also acknowledge that whilst we have made progress, there is still work to do. Increasing diversity in all of its forms in the flight deck is a long-term focus for easyJet and so we will continue to ensure we lead the industry on this issue.”
Captain Iris de Kan said: “It’s important that girls have visible role models so we can combat job stereotypes and show that anyone with the motivation and passion can turn their skills to being an airline pilot. I love the responsibility and challenge that comes with my job – but it’s not as challenging as juggling the demands of a five-year old and a little baby at home!”
Senior First Officer Aaron Moseley said: “I'm really proud to be a black man who is also a role model for the next generation. Growing up, I never had the chance to see or know a black airline pilot. I'm proud to be able to go into schools to talk to young people and show that you can develop skills through all kinds of experiences like music and sport that they can channel into becoming a pilot, and have the opportunities to achieve their dreams too.”
And gymnast turned Senior First Officer Nina Le said: “Combining my love of travel with the practical skills I learnt on the gym floor really does make being a pilot the perfect match! I love my job and would really encourage anyone who loves a challenge - and of course great views - to consider it!”
To apply to the Generation easyJet Pilot Training Programme, aspiring pilots will need to be aged 18 or over by the time they begin training and have a minimum of 5 General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) of Grade C or above (or equivalent), including Mathematics, Science and English language – no higher qualifications or degrees are required.
The Generation easyJet Pilot Training Programme takes aspiring pilots from little to no flying experience, to operating a commercial passenger jet in around two years with its intensive, industry-leading training course.
The campaign launches from today across easyJet’s social media channels across the UK and Europe.
Aspiring pilots can find out more and apply today via becomeapilot.easyJet.com
