BY KOH HUI THENG

MUMS are taking to the skies with budget airline Jetstar.

The company has introduced a new part-time scheme to encourage mothers to join its cabin crew.

Ms Cecilia Ho, 34, is one woman who has benefited from the scheme.

The former Singapore Girl hung up her sarong kebaya after she gave birth to her son, Jordan Taine, in 2007.

Ms Ho, who flew for seven years, said: 'I enjoy flying but I also believe in taking care of my child by myself. So I quit to focus my energy on him.'

She and seven other mums are among the 12 part-timers whom Jetstar recruited, even as some other airlines are laying off employees to deal with the downturn.

The company hopes to double their numbers by year end.

Said chief executive Chong Phit Lian: 'We are talking to another 25 candidates... Those with foreign-language skills will always be in demand as we extend our flight routes.'

The company says there is no age limit for such staff 'as long as they are physically fit and presentable'.

They should have at least three years of cabin-crew experience.

While their pay and benefits may not be as attractive as what full-timers get, Ms Chong said that the flexible hours, which let mums 'balance between work and family', are a key draw factor.

Part-time crew clock around 50 hours, or 10 working days, a month. In contrast, full-time staff are typically required to fly 150 to 170 hours per month. Despite the downturn, the carrier is still seeing growth in passenger load and bookings.

It is also rolling out 21 hot meals and sandwich options next month to draw more customers.

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