Far East Airlines Recruits Flight Attendants: Young Models Learn Self-Defense Before Leading Fan Groups to Apply

▲ Wang Xuanzhu, Qiu Yuting, and Fang Jianci (from left) each have their own fan groups online, and the trio came together to attend the Far East Airlines interview this time.

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / Taipei

To meet the growing demand for staff due to increased flight operations, Far East Airlines held a two-day flight attendant recruitment event starting May 26 at Songshan Airport. This recruitment drive by Far East Airlines opened up 30 positions for flight attendants, attracting nearly 2,000 job seekers, with an estimated acceptance rate of about 1.5%. Among the sea of tailored suits, there were also many young models who had previously appeared in advertisements or print shoots applying for the roles.

▲ By 10 a.m. on May 26, around 500 people had already come to apply, and Far East Airlines estimated that the total number of applicants over the two days would reach 2,000.

Unlike other recruitment interviews with a more serious atmosphere, this year Far East Airlines specially presented a situational skit to show applicants how to handle potential conflicts during flights. This year’s flight attendant recruitment did not set height restrictions, but due to in-flight service needs, a 208-centimeter reach test was also arranged on-site. Other assessment items included posture evaluation and oral interviews.

▲ This year, Far East Airlines specially arranged a situational skit to teach applicants how to restrain disruptive passengers using restraint straps.

Lu Jirong, Deputy General Manager of Far East Airlines’ Cabin Service Department, stated that Far East Airlines plans to increase flights to cities such as Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Taipei, hence the need to train new cabin crew members. This year, most applicants were recent graduates, with many presenting a lively, cute, and friendly persona, aligning well with the company’s brand image.
Lu Jirong also mentioned that the base salary plus allowances for new flight attendants would be around NT$40,000 to NT$50,000.

▲ Although there is no height restriction, applicants must be able to reach the overhead compartments barefoot.

Feifei (real name: Fang Jianci), one of the applicants, has previously been involved in advertisements and portrait photo shoots, and even had a fan group create and bring a cheer poster to support her. Feifei mentioned that although she already knew from her prior research that being a flight attendant is a tough job, she still wanted to give it a try because she loves flying.

▲ Fans specially made cheer posters for the applicants.

In addition to hoping to showcase her approachability during the interview, Feifei also specifically studied self-defense techniques in light of current events, aiming to boost her performance.