Korean Air has announced the launch of its first recruitment drive following a three-year hiatus, with the carrier looking to hire more than 100 cabin crew members.
While the Seoul-based airline noted that passenger traffic “is still below the level before the COVID-19 situation” and the airline is currently operating at around 50% of its pre-pandemic capacity, it is “pre-emptively” preparing for an increase in passenger levels.
“Currently, the volume of air travel is still not up to the level it was before the COVID-19 pandemic, and some cabin crew members are still on leaves of absence,” a Korean Air spokesperson said in a statement released on October 14, 2022.
“However, we decided to hire new crew members as we expect there will be a sharp increase in demand for international passengers after the end of this year, starting with the resumption of visa-free travel to Japan,” the spokesperson added.
The airline’s announcement follows the South Korean government’s recent decision to continue to gradually ease pandemic-related air travel restrictions.
Changes made to candidate screening methods
The South Korean flag carrier has changed its screening method when recruiting “in consideration of the COVID-19 situation and for the convenience of applicants”, the airline added.
The carrier has implemented a video interview system, where candidates are asked to submit a three-minute video clip to “reduce the burden on applicants while allowing them to demonstrate their capabilities in a more familiar and comfortable environment”, the airline said.
Among other changes, the company has also altered its physical fitness test, adding a number of locations, rather than the previous single location. Applicants are now invited to select one of 76 regional certification centers authorized by Korean Air.
The airline will continue the recruitment drive until November 4, 2022.