Chinese Airline to Hire Married Cabin Crew Dubbed “Sky Aunties”
A Chinese airline sparked a social media debate when it announced it would be hiring married women and mothers as cabin attendants, referring to them as 'sky aunties'.
On October 22, Spring Airlines, based in Shanghai and recognized as China's first low-cost airline, announced that it was opening applications for the 'sky aunties' positions. The company is specifically seeking applications from women aged between 25 and 40, preferably those who are married or have children.
The term received criticism on social media.
Here's how the text can be translated into a fluent and idiomatic English:
In China, airlines typically hire cabin crew members between the ages of 18 and 25.
One hiring manager stated, 'When it comes to these 'sky aunties', they are able to provide superior service to children and elderly passengers, thanks to their valuable life experiences and empathy skills.'
Spring Airlines has indicated that this move is part of their efforts to both increase their workforce and offer a wider range of career opportunities to women. In China, the legal retirement age for women is generally 50.
The airline's initiative quickly became a hot topic on social media in China, viewed by more than 70 million people.
However, many have criticized the term 'sky auntie' used in the campaign.
Spring Airlines stated that their intention was not to upset anyone:
'Our aim was to distinguish them from single applicants. Their duties, salaries, and career paths are identical to other cabin crew members,' a company representative stated.
The airline also pointed out that the term 'sky aunties' dates back to the 1990s, when the Chinese civil aviation sector began employing laid-off female textile workers as cabin crew, and has been in use ever since.
Spring Airlines has previously implemented the practice of hiring married women and mothers.
According to Chao News, the company currently employs 88 'sky aunties', 74% of whom have already transitioned into managerial positions.
One married cabin crew member commented in an interview, 'Actually, we have an advantage over recent graduates. We've worked before, raised children, cared for the elderly. Additionally, we naturally assume the role of big sister within the team.'
Social media has been split in two.
Spring Airlines is offering discounted training fees for older applicants; however, it remains unclear whether the company plans to hire older male cabin crew members.
One social media user praised the airline's move, stating that it represents progress in the Chinese aviation sector towards focusing on skills and professionalism rather than youth and appearance.
Another user suggested that the airline adopt a single title for all cabin crew members, regardless of age or gender.
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