Overweight Air Hostesses Grounded

In a controversial move the national airline of India namely Indian Airlines is forcing cabin crew who are overweight to stay on the ground and is denying them permission to fly. Indian Airlines say that this due to a big campaign to raise the profile of its image. The rules are being strictly enforced with even those flight attendants who are only one kilo over their expected weight being removed from operating duties.

A company spokesman said that the they were giving the overweight cabin crew members 6 weeks to lose weight and get back to their ideal weight. If they were still overweight after this time then the reprimand would be more severe and other action would have to be taken. The airline union despite opposition has agreed to abide by these regulations.

Part of the reason for the strict enforcing of the rules is that new airlines are entering the business in India and the national airline needs to compete to stay ahead. The image of overweight and slow moving cabin crew members does not lend itself to a dynamic business. The new airlines are full of young and attractive cabin crews and Indian Airlines must compete with this image if it want to keep its market share. Indian Airlines are also keen to employ younger staff and the average age of cabin crews has fallen recently.

Airlines are becoming increasing concious of the fact that they are a service industry and the presentation of its staff is very important for the overall flight experience. The design of uniforms is being changed to a more contemporary, western and modern look and the planes are being overhauled to keep them looking young and fresh.