China airline hires ‘air aunties’ as flight attendants, criticised for ‘disrespectful’ label

A Chinese airline has come under fire for recruiting married women and mothers as flight attendants, and saying they are more caring. -- Photo: Shutterstock/Douyin/SCMP

SHANGHAI (SCMP): A Chinese airline has sparked controversy online after it announced plans to hire married women and mothers as flight attendants and call them “air aunties”.

On October 22, the Shanghai-based Spring Airlines, China’s first budget carrier, announced openings for “air aunties”, saying they are seeking women aged between 25 and 40, preferably those who are married or with children.