MORE than 80 cabin crew members from Southampton Airport are still struggling to find employment after a flight company collapsed.

They are amongst over 2,500 employees of airline Flybe to lose their jobs, which fell into administration due to a drop in demand caused by the coronavirus.

The airline announced it had ceased trading with immediate effect and that administrators had been appointed in the early hours of March 5.

Now, staff faced with no employment are seeking to offer their first aid and customer service skills to help businesses during the COVID-19 crisis - but some are still being rejected.

Ex-cabin crew member Andree Smith, 53, worked in the aviation industry for 29 years, including almost five years at Flybe at Southampton Airport.

She said: "It has been extremely difficult during the virus outbreak, and I've faced rejection after rejection.

"Unfortunately, it has happened at the wrong time and it's hard to find a place again in society with what's happening at the moment."

Andree said she has applied for her local ASDA store to help out but has not heard back.

She added: "I know some companies are getting 80 percent from the government scheme. But at Flybe, that 80 percent isn't there.

"I don't have any children because my career was the main thing I did. Most people from Southampton Airport are also unemployed - it's been stressful."

People Team Trainer of Flybe, Paul Nethercroft, remains employed by the company for several weeks, to link ex-employees with current job vacancies.

He said: "All of our cabin crew are trained to CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) requirements for first aid and have a professional customer service as you would expect.

"We also have numerous fully qualified first aid trainers - myself included - based around the UK who are also seeking employment and could help train or refresh anyone who supports this vital role."

Flybe was reportedly responsible for 95% of flights at Southampton airport, but a spokesperson said the airport is focused on backfilling and rebuilding its route network, and has seen success in securing services of Logan Air and Eastern Airways.

Paul added: "We have already had some interest from NHS call centres who are very interested in employing our ex employees due to their professional background, experience and customer service. I have currently been kept on by the administrators to support the wind down and sell of its assets.

"With the current situation that we are all facing, job opportunities are going to be hard to find. We have an amazing Flybe Family who would be an asset to any company that takes them on."

To offer employment, email Paul.Nethercott@flybe.com.