In a bold step for China’s aviation sector, low-cost carrier Spring Airlines has introduced a recruitment drive targeting married mothers, raising the upper age limit for applicants to 40. Dubbed kongsao(“air aunties”) by the public, these candidates are valued for their maturity and life experience.
The airline highlighted that seasoned attendants—often with children of their own—can create a more welcoming cabin atmosphere. Their real-world expertise equips them to manage crises calmly, predict passenger needs intuitively, and offer attentive care to young travelers, according to a company statement.
This initiative reflects the industry’s post-pandemic expansion and push for workforce diversity. Spring Airlines aims to onboard 30–60 new hires through the program, marking a shift from conventional hiring norms. Typically, airlines restrict cabin crew roles to applicants aged 18–25, with some extending the cap to 28 or 32. Currently, Spring’s 3,400-strong cabin team has an average age of 28, with nearly 70% under 30.
The news has gone viral on Chinese social media platform Weibo, drawing over 64 million views. Public reaction has been largely positive. “Instead of fixating on youth, the airline celebrates the warmth and steadiness that mothers bring—offering career reinvention for working parents,” praised one commenter. Analysts also noted practical advantages: The airline’s recent routes to cities like Chiang Mai and Hanoi (via Lanzhou) cater to family and senior travelers, making parenting-experienced staff ideal for soothing children or aiding elderly passengers.
By embracing the unique strengths of older female candidates, Spring Airlines is pioneering a more inclusive model for China’s aviation industry—one that values lived experience alongside traditional metrics.
