Former fireman Steve Hill, aged 60 has landed his dream job as cabin crew with British Airways.
Flying out of London City Airport across the UK and to Europe, the former watch manager was inspired by his children who also work in the aviation industry.
Very close to home is his son, Kevin, a British Airways line maintenance supervisor at the airport. While at Southend Airport, his other son Chris is a fireman and daughter Suzannah is a passenger service agent.
Steve has always dreamed of taking to the skies but thought his age would be against him when he applied for the cabin crew job.
He says: “I was so surprised and delighted when I was invited for an interview and then offered the job. The training is very much focussed on safety and excellent customer service, so luckily my previous career had prepared me for that. Now I am a fully trained cabin crew member at London City and I love every aspect of it.”
“I did not think I would be eligible at 60 to start a new career but people just need to have the confidence and believe in themselves. We have a lot of life experiences to offer and I am grateful to British Airways for recognising that.”
Steve met his wife Ann when she worked as a control officer in the Fire Service. He spent 32 years as a fireman and when he retired he was a watch manager at Basildon, one of the busiest fire stations in Essex. His love of aviation goes back a long time, the two of them would often take their family to visit airports together, just to watch the planes take off and land.
Steve adds: “With all three children working at airports I always felt I was on the perimeter fence looking in. Now I really am a part of that community.”
His son Kevin is really proud of his Dad and admires him for making such a big career change later in life.
He adds: “When I was young he would always take us to the airport for a day out, I think that’s why we all have a love of aviation. Dad has always said his dream job would be with an airline so when British Airways were recruiting here at London City for cabin crew, I told him to just apply and see what happens. We were thrilled when he was successful.”
Kevin is also responsible for recruiting new engineers for the airline at London City. Asked if he would consider employing an older person he said: “Of course. There should be no age obstacles or barriers, if someone has the right skills, qualities and passion for work then it doesn’t matter what age they are”.
Steve, who lives near Southend-on-sea will be flying on the Embraer jet aircraft from London City to more than 30 cities in the UK and Europe.
