Jetstar is launching the biggest cabin crew recruitment drive in its 19-year history amid the airline’s network expansion and drive to improve operations.
The Australian low-cost carrier said that it plans to hire 700 new cabin crew by the end of 2023 as part of the Qantas Group’s long-term plan to create 8,500 new operational roles over the next decade.
The airline said it is setting up 40 new cabin crew training grounds across Australia while it hires new recruits in Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns, the Gold Coast and Adelaide.
Image: Jetstar.com.au
Never too old to switch careers
Jetstar highlighted one of its trainees, Natasha Banjac, as an example of someone who has switched careers to pursue a cabin crew career.
“I always wanted to be a flight attendant, I love everything about aviation, but after high school I ended up studying nursing,” Banjac said in a press release.
Banjac spent 22 years in nursing, including working in the emergency department. Now that her children are older, she said, she has more flexibility to follow her initial calling. “Being a nurse, I can handle any challenges that come my way and I’m a people person, so my skills are very transferrable to Jetstar.”
She added: “I show that you’re never too old to change careers and follow your passion. My kids are really excited for me and of course the staff travel discounts for the family.”
Jetstar’s head of customer experience, Jennifer Armor, expressed enthusiasm in welcoming recruits with a variety of skills and experience.
“We have people joining us with backgrounds in health care, hospitality and retail, who are all excited to travel as part of their career. If you’ve ever wanted a job that takes you around Australia and the world and helps others do the same, now’s a great time to join Jetstar,” Armour said.
Growth in network and reliability
Jetstar has added new routes and frequencies to current destinations over the past year. The airline is preparing to receive its eighth Airbus A321neo LR (NEO) sometime in June 2023, and a further 10 of the next-generation aircraft are set to join the fleet by the end of 2024.
In May 2023, the airline announced that it is making changes to its check-in times for flights out of Australia.
The airline said that as part of its performance improvement, it is recruiting more airport staff, cabin crew and engineering team members and making changes to its check-in, bag drop and boarding times.