Summary of the Key Points
This article exposes the “illusion” surrounding current flight attendant recruitment: airlines are not really in need of more staff, and candidates do not apply with the dream of working in the skies as their sole motivation. Both parties have their own agendas—airlines use the recruitment process to enhance their presence, resolve internal issues, or generate revenue from application fees; young people utilize the role of flight attendants to build their online profiles, gain attention, or exchange for other benefits. The ordinary individuals who truly wish to pursue a career as flight attendants often end up playing second fiddle in this “game.”
I. Airlines Recruit: Not Because of a Lack of Staff, but for Other Reasons
The civil aviation industry currently does not require a large number of new flight attendants. Why? There are too many aircraft in the country, and routes have become highly competitive (a “red ocean” situation). Small to medium-sized airlines focus on domestic flights, but they lose half their passengers to high-speed trains; larger airlines target international routes, which are not necessarily profitable. Even if there is a shortage of staff, adjusting schedules (such as splitting long flights into multiple overnight segments or having employees fly additional routes) can compensate for the need. Recruiting new employees, however, incurs long-term costs such as salaries, training, and social security benefits.
So why do airlines still recruit? There are mainly three reasons:
1. To Enhance Presence: To signal to the market that they are still active and business-minded, thereby stabilizing investors or partners.
2. To Resolve Internal Issues: To hire family members or children of collaborating companies and arrange jobs for them.
3. To Turn Recruitment into a Business: By charging thousands of yuan for recruitment events, airlines can generate significant revenue from tens of thousands of applicants.
Think about it: With 5,000 people applying for just 50 positions, what are the chances of an ordinary person getting selected based on their skills?
II. Candidates: “Wanting to Fly” is a Mask; “Capitalizing on the Image” is the Real Motivation
Most young people applying for flight attendant jobs are not driven by a dream of working in the skies. Instead, they see the benefits of the role:
- Building an Online Profile: Wearing uniforms and taking photos with suitcases can instantly create an image of professionalism and respectability, which helps them gain followers quickly.
- Generating Traffic: Influencers who announce their successful recruitment can attract followers, making it easier to earn money through advertising or product promotions.
- Exchanging for Benefits: Using the status of a flight attendant to expand their network or even secure better opportunities (such as marriage).
Even if someone only works as a flight attendant for a few months, the label can be beneficial for years online. What they really want is the prestige that comes with the job.
III. The Industry Has Changed: Civil Aviation’s “Involvement” Has Diluted the Purpose of Recruitment
Twenty years ago, when the author started in the industry, civil aviation was still growing rapidly, and airlines were hesitant to recruit due to cost concerns. Today:
- Excess Capacity: There are more aircraft than needed, and many flights are not fully booked.
- Competition from High-Speed Rail: High-speed trains are faster and cheaper for short to medium-distance trips in China, attracting passengers.
- Polarization: Large airlines dominate international routes, while small to medium-sized airlines struggle to survive domestically.
In this context, airlines do not need to hire a large number of new flight attendants. Sporadic recruitment is more about maintaining a facade than a real need for staff.
IV. The Helplessness of Ordinary People
For those who genuinely want to become flight attendants, the reality is challenging:
- They spend months or even years preparing for interviews.
- They pay for flights and accommodations to attend interviews.
- They invest time and energy into this process.
However, they often realize that most of the recruitment spots are reserved for pre-selected candidates. As the article states: “No one manages their social media accounts for them; they don’t have an existing fan base, and no one tells them how many of the available positions are actually meant for ordinary people.”
Final Thoughts
In this recruitment game, airlines and well-connected candidates get what they want, but those with genuine aspirations are easily exploited. The article warns everyone to understand the truth before applying, so as not to waste their time and money. If you truly love this profession, be prepared: being a flight attendant today is far from the simple career it used to be.