"May You Work as Your Best and True Self"
Competitor Virgin Atlantic Allows Choice of Skirts or Pants Uniforms Regardless of Gender
British Airways Dreamliner.
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] From now on, British Airways (BA) will have male pilots and male flight attendants with piercings and makeup.
According to British media such as The Telegraph and The Guardian, all British Airways staff will be allowed to wear makeup, including mascara and false eyelashes, regardless of gender. British Airways stated, "We are proud of all our colleagues and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment," adding, "We have worked with employees to create new guidelines on grooming, beauty, and accessories so that colleagues can come to work every day as their best and most authentic selves." They also added, "We hope everyone, regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, background, or culture, will embrace the updated guidelines." Looking at the new dress code, male flight attendants can also grow their hair long and tie it back or wear a bun. Nail polish can be worn in any color except black and fluorescent shades. Male flight attendants or pilots may carry handbags, including purses, on board.
This relaxation of regulations aims to break down traditional gender stereotypes while boosting employee morale, which had declined due to layoffs and pay cuts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since last year, British Airways has also stopped using the phrase "Ladies and gentlemen" during boarding announcements to embrace passengers' diverse gender identities.
British Airways' bold relaxation of rules is also analyzed as an imitation of similar moves by its competitor Virgin Atlantic. Earlier, in September, Virgin Atlantic allowed flight attendants, pilots, and ground staff to choose to wear either a red skirt suit or burgundy trousers, whichever they felt most comfortable in, regardless of gender. Virgin Atlantic announced that employees could select uniforms designed by famous designer Vivienne Westwood "regardless of sex, gender identity, or gender expression."
Earlier this year, Virgin Atlantic also removed the rule requiring flight attendants to cover tattoos. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic allows passengers to request their preferred pronouns at check-in, and people with gender-neutral markers on their passports (available in the US, India, and Pakistan) can travel using the corresponding gender code and the title "Mx."
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