In a surprising move that has ignited a heated debate, Hainan Airlines, one of China’s prominent carriers, is facing backlash for its recent directive targeting female flight attendants based on their weight. The airline’s controversial decision to suspend flights for “overweight” crew members has stirred up a storm of criticism within the industry and beyond.
According to reports from Fengpai News, the airline sent out a notice titled “Special Image Inspection and Management Guidelines” to its cabin crew members, outlining strict regulations that have sparked outrage. These guidelines categorize female flight attendants based on their physique and weight, with the airline setting a standard weight calculation method known as “Height – 110.” For instance, a flight attendant standing at 165cm should ideally weigh 55kg to meet the airline’s expectations.
The guidelines also stipulate that female flight attendants exceeding 5% of the recommended weight limit will be subject to regular weight monitoring. Moreover, those surpassing 10% of the designated weight threshold will face immediate flight suspensions and be required to undergo weight loss measures.
This weight-centric policy has encountered swift resistance from industry professionals and critics alike, who argue that such restrictions on the weight of female employees are unprecedented and potentially infringe upon labor laws. Concerns have been raised about the additional burden placed on these women to meet the airline’s standards, leading to calls for a thorough examination of the legality and fairness of these measures.
Fengpai News highlighted the significance of this directive, noting that it marks the first time a Chinese airline has explicitly outlined flight suspensions for female flight attendants due to weight concerns. The controversy surrounding Hainan Airlines’ decision raises questions about the airline industry’s standards and practices regarding employee appearance, and the impact it may have on the well-being and rights of its staff members.
As this contentious issue continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the airline will respond to the mounting criticism and whether it will reconsider its weight-based policies in the interest of fairness and inclusivity. The aviation community and the public at large will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how this controversy plays out and what it means for the future of airline industry regulations.