/ / /

Thai Airways Deploys Ageist Strategy To Get Younger Flight Attendants

January 13, 2010 at 9:48 AM | by | Comment (1)

When we fly we’re just happy that we still have flight attendants, and if they toss us a drink and a bag of pretzels that’s all the better. However, there are some airlines that take their flight attendants pretty seriously. Thai Airways isn’t exactly creating reality show stars with their staff, but they are looking to ensure that they have the youngest flight attendants in the industry. They are doing this by asking older workers to take an early retirement.

Flight attendants over age 45 are being offered voluntary retirement packages. Technically leaving is just an option, but Thai Airways is making offers that workers can’t refuse. Crewmembers that have worked up in the sky for at least 15 years and agree to leave are being offered payments of up to 30 times their monthly salary. It’s obviously a pretty difficult decision not to take the airline up on the deal that they’ve named a mutual separation plan.

Right now the average age of the airline’s flight attendants is between 35 and 38, but officials want to get the average closer to age 30. In the past, Thai Airways has been pretty liberal with their hiring and retention practices compared to other airlines, and that’s why their staff might be looking a little tired.

The competition—airlines like Singapore Airlines—hires flight attendants for five-year contracts with only one possible renewal. That keeps their flight attendants on the younger side, and most have to leave the airline right around age 30. As long as no one is being forced out with this new policy, we’re slightly ok with it, but we do realize it's pretty ageist.

Related Stories:
· Thai Seeking a Younger Image [Bangkok Post]
· Flight Attendant Fashion: Pink Uniforms Through History [Jaunted]
· Flight Attendants coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Tran's World Productions]

Comment (1)

Post a Comment

Return to » Thai Airways Deploys Ageist Strategy To Get Younger Flight Attendants


Flight Attendants

Any flight attendants that are being offered with such retirement fee don't need to have any financial education just to be tempted with that 30 times salary payment. That is big enough for any separation pay. Well, who does not appreciate younger flight attendants?
ColtenA on January 14, 2010 at 12:13 AM #Permalink

Return to » Thai Airways Deploys Ageist Strategy To Get Younger Flight Attendants

Join the conversation!

Not a member? .
Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy (Revised 08/01/2011). © Condé Nast Digital. All rights reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast Digital.
Ad Choices