The autumn 2026 season confirms that recruitment of PNC (cabin crew) does not stop with the summer season.
Since the end of summer, at least eight airlines have opened or continued recruitments accessible to French candidates, for bases in France, elsewhere in Europe or in the Gulf. Each has its own calendar, its interview language, and its requirements.
The context, however, was not favorable. The war in Iran, triggered at the end of February, disrupted air traffic and significantly increased fuel prices. Many wondered whether airlines would slow their hiring.
There was no halt. Selections continued throughout September, including in the Gulf, from which Emirates and Etihad came to recruit in France.
Since the end of summer, at least eight airlines have opened or continued recruitments accessible to French candidates, for bases in France, elsewhere in Europe or in the Gulf. Each has its own calendar, its interview language, and its requirements.
The context, however, was not favorable. The war in Iran, triggered at the end of February, disrupted air traffic and significantly increased fuel prices. Many wondered whether airlines would slow their hiring.
There was no halt. Selections continued throughout September, including in the Gulf, from which Emirates and Etihad came to recruit in France.
Why do airlines recruit in autumn?
It should be noted that between selection and the first flight, several weeks, sometimes several months, pass.At Ryanair, for example, initial training lasts six weeks. To have crews ready for spring, airlines must recruit in autumn. Winter, quieter on most European networks, is used to train new recruits.
These campaigns can also be very short. This summer, easyJet invited candidates to pre-register for its European bases, just as last year before opening new offers.
In August and September, the airline posted cabin crew positions for Amsterdam and Basel-Mulhouse on its careers site, with selections from early September. Other bases could follow, since pre-registrations were not limited to those two.
French airlines: an English certification before applying
French airlines require an English certification obtained before applying, even when interviews are conducted in French.
Transavia, based at Paris-Orly, Lyon, and Nantes, opened in early September a fixed-term contract session. Like Air France, it requires a certified B2 level (fluent English), validated by LILATE or Linguaskill, two tests that assess spoken expression.
French bee stands out: the airline conducts its selections in English, while also requesting a certification. For its fixed-term campaign, it required a C1 on LILATE, or a minimum B2 across the four skills (understanding and speaking, both oral and written) on TOEIC or Linguaskill.
This campaign had been launched before summer, with interviews in August. In early October, the company announced on its LinkedIn page the resumption of its selections.
Transavia, based at Paris-Orly, Lyon, and Nantes, opened in early September a fixed-term contract session. Like Air France, it requires a certified B2 level (fluent English), validated by LILATE or Linguaskill, two tests that assess spoken expression.
French bee stands out: the airline conducts its selections in English, while also requesting a certification. For its fixed-term campaign, it required a C1 on LILATE, or a minimum B2 across the four skills (understanding and speaking, both oral and written) on TOEIC or Linguaskill.
This campaign had been launched before summer, with interviews in August. In early October, the company announced on its LinkedIn page the resumption of its selections.
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In Europe, the CCA obtained after recruitment
And after the rentrée?
This rentrée shows that cabin crew recruitment does not follow a single calendar. French airlines, European low-cost carriers, and Gulf airlines recruited at the same time, but with different languages, formats, and requirements.
The context continues to weigh on the sector. By the end of September, while these campaigns were underway, Volotea announced a reduction of about a quarter of its fleet, bringing it to between 30 and 35 aircraft, and a reduced offer this winter at several French airports, including Bordeaux. The airline cited higher fuel prices.
Still, the campaign many future cabin crew are waiting for remains: Air France reopening its recruitment. In recent years, the airline has opened apprenticeship sessions for cabin crew without experience, with or without CCA depending on the campaigns, and always with at least a certified B2 level, including oral expression (LILATE and Linguaskill 3 skills). In 2024, it also reopened fixed-term contracts for experienced cabin crew.
One figure explains this wait. In a board of directors’ report for Air France Group published in August, the SNPNC-FO union states that 40% of cabin crew will retire by 2035. This figure says nothing about the schedule or volume of upcoming campaigns, but it gives an idea of the renewal to come.
The context continues to weigh on the sector. By the end of September, while these campaigns were underway, Volotea announced a reduction of about a quarter of its fleet, bringing it to between 30 and 35 aircraft, and a reduced offer this winter at several French airports, including Bordeaux. The airline cited higher fuel prices.
Still, the campaign many future cabin crew are waiting for remains: Air France reopening its recruitment. In recent years, the airline has opened apprenticeship sessions for cabin crew without experience, with or without CCA depending on the campaigns, and always with at least a certified B2 level, including oral expression (LILATE and Linguaskill 3 skills). In 2024, it also reopened fixed-term contracts for experienced cabin crew.
One figure explains this wait. In a board of directors’ report for Air France Group published in August, the SNPNC-FO union states that 40% of cabin crew will retire by 2035. This figure says nothing about the schedule or volume of upcoming campaigns, but it gives an idea of the renewal to come.
Who is Rémi Duchange?
Rémi Duchange is the cofounder of SkySuccess, a Qualiopi-certified training organization dedicated to future flight attendants and air hosts.
He has nearly 15 years of experience in aviation, notably as cabin crew, chief of cabin, and instructor within an international airline.
With his team, he offers individual and bilingual support (French/English): preparation for the LILATE and Linguaskill certifications, then personalized recruitment coaching until hiring.
For four years, SkySuccess has helped more than 1,200 students join an airline. Partner of more than ten companies, the organization supports all profiles, beginners or experienced. The CCA is offered as an option, in 10 days with partner training centers, once the B2 or C1 level is obtained.
Followed by more than 50,000 subscribers on Instagram and LinkedIn, Rémi shares daily on his career space and in his newsletter job offers for cabin crew and ramp agents, as well as tips for succeeding in recruitment.
He has nearly 15 years of experience in aviation, notably as cabin crew, chief of cabin, and instructor within an international airline.
With his team, he offers individual and bilingual support (French/English): preparation for the LILATE and Linguaskill certifications, then personalized recruitment coaching until hiring.
For four years, SkySuccess has helped more than 1,200 students join an airline. Partner of more than ten companies, the organization supports all profiles, beginners or experienced. The CCA is offered as an option, in 10 days with partner training centers, once the B2 or C1 level is obtained.
Followed by more than 50,000 subscribers on Instagram and LinkedIn, Rémi shares daily on his career space and in his newsletter job offers for cabin crew and ramp agents, as well as tips for succeeding in recruitment.
