JAKARTA - Good news for Virgin Atlantic airline cabin crew, with management allowing them to 'show off' their tattoos, an easing of policy ahead of new recruits.
The airline, founded by British billionaire Richard Branson, previously banned uniformed employees from showing off their tattoos.
"But now, employees can show off their ink to the world, while still representing Virgin Atlantic in their uniform," the airline said, claiming to be the first British airline to allow visible tattoos.
Virgin Atlantic told Euronews Next that previously uniformed employees had to cover visible tattoos with plaster or makeup, or request special long-sleeved shirts, instead of the standard short-sleeved version on duty.
"Many people use tattoos to express their unique identity and our customer-facing and uniformed colleagues shouldn't be excluded from doing so if they so choose," Virgin Atlantic Chief People Officer Estelle Hollingsworth said in a statement.
"That's why, in line with our focus on inclusion and championing individuality, we are relaxing our tattoo restrictions for all of our people."
However, the easing of the ban does not apply to all types of tattoos. The airline said neck, face and head tattoos should still be covered, although it is currently reviewing the policy. Offensive tattoos should also be covered up.
Happy International Flight Attendants Day ❤️Today we're championing the dazzling collection of individuals who are our wonderful cabin crew. We've always encouraged our people to be themselves, so from today, they can now show their tattoos with pride. pic.twitter.com/rRU3OrzKQb
— virginatlantic (@VirginAtlantic) May 31, 2022
The news comes as Virgin Atlantic plans to hire another 300 flight attendants, at a time when airlines and airports are struggling to keep up with a surge in travel after months of COVID-19 restrictions.
In light of the announcement, Virgin Atlantic posted a message of support for its employees on social media, as part of International Flight Attendant Day.
"We always encourage our people to be themselves, so starting today, they can now show off their tattoos with pride," the airline wrote on Twitter, posting an image of a uniformed cabin crew tattooed arm.
A traditionally glamorous role, flight attendants are always expected to look presentable, with most airlines setting strict attire requirements for staff.
To note, in 2019, Virgin canceled the requirement for female cabin crew to wear makeup.
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