Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France – April 17, 2026 – Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is reinforcing its commitment to local employment with the extension of its partnership with France Travail (formerly Pôle Emploi) through the ‘Lyon Aéro Emploi’ program. This initiative, which focuses on local recruitment and social integration, has already facilitated approximately 1,000 hires over the past three years.
A Successful Partnership for Local Employment
The ‘Lyon Aéro Emploi’ program, established around Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, aims to connect residents from neighboring municipalities with employment opportunities within the airport’s ecosystem. The renewed agreement underscores the commitment of Aéroports de Lyon and France Travail to prioritize local talent and foster community development.
Between 2023 and 2025, the program posted nearly 1,300 job offers, resulting in approximately 1,000 successful recruitments. A significant aspect of this success is the high percentage of hires from disadvantaged groups: nearly 60% of those employed were individuals in integration programs, including young people, residents of priority neighborhoods, beneficiaries of social schemes, and people with disabilities. This highlights the program’s strong social dimension, a point emphasized by both partners.
Diverse Job Opportunities Beyond Aviation
Contrary to common perception, employment at the airport extends far beyond roles directly related to aviation. The program addresses a wide range of needs across various sectors, including airport assistance, catering, logistics, retail, hospitality, and security. This diverse ecosystem represents a substantial source of employment for the region.
To facilitate these connections, over 50 events are organized annually, including job fairs – with a major annual event attracting around 800 visitors – workshops, and information sessions. These initiatives provide valuable platforms for job seekers to engage directly with potential employers and learn about available opportunities.
Ambitious Goals for the Next Five Years
The new five-year agreement sets ambitious targets for the ‘Lyon Aéro Emploi’ program. Key objectives include increasing the proportion of local hires to 40% from surrounding communities and further boosting social integration, with a goal of 50% of recruits coming from groups distant from employment.
For Aéroports de Lyon and France Travail, the stakes go beyond mere recruitment. The initiative also aims to reduce daily commute times for employees and strengthen the airport’s local roots, contributing to sustainable development in the region.
Impact on the Local Economy and Community
The continued success of the ‘Lyon Aéro Emploi’ program is expected to have a significant positive impact on the local economy and community. By prioritizing local hiring, the airport contributes to reducing unemployment in the surrounding areas and provides stable employment opportunities for residents.
Furthermore, by focusing on social integration, the program empowers individuals who might otherwise face barriers to employment, fostering a more inclusive workforce. The reduction in commutes also aligns with broader environmental goals by decreasing carbon emissions associated with daily travel.
The partnership between Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport and France Travail serves as a model for how large infrastructure projects can actively contribute to the social and economic well-being of their host communities. The commitment to local recruitment and integration demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to corporate social responsibility and sustainable development.
The program’s continued evolution and its ambitious new targets signal a strong dedication to ensuring that the economic benefits of the airport are shared widely across the region, making Lyon-Saint Exupéry not just a gateway to the world, but also a cornerstone of local prosperity.
