LONDON – Actors were offered £80 a day by a budget airline to help fill seats on its flights in a bizarre attempt to avoid an industry fine.
The UK’s Independent newspaper reported that Flybe advertised for the “extras” because it was concerned about passenger targets agreed with Norwich International Airport, and running the risk of a £280,000 penalty.
The advert, placed on a casting website, said a “well-known airline” was looking for 100 actors. It said: “You will be boarding an aircraft and flying to Dublin and then flying back into Norwich airport. There may be up to three flights every day.”
The airline was required to fly 15,000 passengers over 12 months, but was short by 172.
A Flybe spokesman said the move was “unusual” but that the airport had refused to reach a reasonable compromise.
In the event, no actors were employed.
