Strong recovery drives hiring in airline sector

Global aviation industry players are continuing to hire more employees in China to prepare for a period of high demand for air travel in the post-COVID-19 era. British Airways said it is doubling the size of the company's cabin crew bases in China with its biggest international recruitment drive since the pandemic. The job application process has opened for cabin crew roles in Beijing and Shanghai. As demand for travel between China and Europe grows, British Airways is looking to bolster the number of Chinese-speaking cabin crew members. The number of Mandarin-speaking crew operating flights between Chinese mainland cities and London will increase from two to four per flight, allowing for more personalized service for Chinese customers, the carrier said. "We are excited to be expanding our bases in both Beijing and Shanghai. Growing our crew bases in Beijing and Shanghai is another step forward in rebuilding the travel industry and boosting the local employment market," said Calum Laming, British Airways' chief customer officer. China's air travel market has been on a steady track of recovery since the country optimized its COVID-19 response measures late last year. In October, about 56m air passenger trips were handled, up 252% year-on-year, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China. Meanwhile, European aircraft manufacturer Airbus said talent acquisition is becoming one of its priorities alongside business development and steady growth in China. Airbus signed partnership agreements with the Sichuan University Pittsburgh Institute and the Civil Aviation University of China in November to impart relevant competencies and skills to young talent.<br/>