Chinese budget airline criticized for calling flight attendants 'air aunties'

The Shanghai-based low-cost carrier said it was seeking female flight attendants aged 25 to 40, preferably those who are married or have children, the South China Morning Post reported.

The carrier plans to recruit 30 to 60 women with a bachelor's degree, a height between 162 and 174 cm, and experience in hospitality.

The controversy intensified after a recruiter described applicants as "air aunties" who would bring more empathy and life experience and better care for elderly passengers and children, The Independent Singapore News reported.

A recruitment manager told China News Service that these "air aunties" offer valuable life experience and empathy, which helps them look after children and older passengers more effectively.

Spring Airlines defended the move as part of an effort to expand its workforce and support more diverse job opportunities for women.

However, outrage erupted on Chinese social media with many criticizing the use of "air aunties" term.

A netizen wrote: "This title is so disrespectful to women. It highlights that they are older and married."

Another said, "The word ‘auntie’ has a heavy family tone — it evokes traditional housewives caring for husbands and kids."

In many parts of Asia, the term "aunty" is used not only for relatives but also for older women in general—and it is often perceived as sexist or ageist.

Others defended the carrier's move.

"Nothing wrong with this. All I know is that they'll surely take care of their passengers," a netizen wrote.

The airline said it did not intend to cause offense and emphasized that the duties, pay and career paths for the recruits would be the same as for other flight attendants.