In a bold move in step with changing times and how women are viewed at their place of work, the Virgin Atlantic airlines has set aside its service rule of mandatory make-up for cabin crew, reports the BBC. The uniform regulations are also up for a change, it is reported.
For long, on-board service on Virgin Atlantic has been handled by both male and female crew members – the women usually clad in short, red skirts unless they have specifically requested for trousers. Virgin Atlantic will now “automatically” offer its female recruits the option of wearing trousers during duty hours, says the BBC.
Given that the aviation industry is one of the most regulated domains of service with unerring focus on appearance standards, this move is being described to be a “significant change”.
Spokesperson for Virgin Atlantic mark Anderson has told the media that the “new guidelines” would offer the flying team “more choice on how they want to express themselves at work”.
Though they may continue to use the palette of makeup recommended by the airlines if they please, the crew can also choose to work without any cosmetic touch-ups – a move likely to be well-received by many around the world and deemed as progressive.
The crew uniform for the Virgin Atlantic was designed in Arabella Pollen in 1984 when the airline was first launched. It has since been revamped many times, the most recent change designed by Vivienne Westwood in 2014. Other budget airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair which mostly operate flights in Europe are known to have more relaxed rules when it comes to uniforms.
The older and more traditional airlines have however remained a stickler for rules with specific guidelines on makeup, hair, grooming and uniform for cabin service. British Airways, for example, allows its flying crew to wear trousers but have mandated guidelines when it comes to makeup.
With this “significant change”, Virgin Atlantic has shown the way for the other airlines to aim high and soar past shackles.
[Images: Virgin Atlantic Twitter handle @VirginAtlantic]
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