Virgin Atlantic Airlines Launch A Gender Neutral Corps Policy

Illustration of Virgin Atlantic airline staff. (Source/Virgin Atlantic)

JAKARTA - Virgin Atlantic airlines said they removed the gender uniform option, in a bid to fight for the individuality of its employees.

British airlines announced in a press release on Wednesday that cabin crews, pilots and ground staff can choose which uniforms they feel are the most comfortable with, "no matter what gender, gender identity, or gender expression". Optional replacement badges will also be available to crew and passengers.

The red and red wine staff uniforms, made by British designer Vivienne Westwood, will no longer be categorized under "male" and "female," Virgin Atlantic spokeswoman told CNN.

Juha Jarvinen, Virgin Atlantic chief commercial officer said in a press release, companies believe it is important to encourage people to "beat on their individuality and become who they really are at work."

"For that reason, we would like to allow our people to wear the uniforms that best suits them and how they identify and ensure our customers are greeted with the word change of their choice," Jarvinen said.

We’ve changed our uniform code to give our crew, pilot and ground teams the option to choose which of our iconic uniforms, designed by Vivienne Westwood, best represents them 👠 #SeeTheWorldDifferently pic.twitter.com/dbCP4WxObl

— virginatlantic (@VirginAtlantic) September 28, 2022

Meanwhile, Michelle Visage, jury of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars," who showed off uniforms with staff, welcomed the move.

" Virgin Atlantic's efforts to further increase inclusiveness for its people are very important and personal to me," he said in a press release.

"People feel empowered when they wear what represents most them, and this gender identity policy allows people to embrace who they are and bring themselves entirely to work."

Virgin Atlantic said the change was part of a broader series of initiatives under the agenda of "Be Yourself".

This long-distance airline has also changed its ticketing system. Travelers holding passports with gender neutral markers can choose the gender code "U" or "X" on their orders as well as the gender neutral title "Mx".

To note, in June, Virgin Atlantic renewed its tattoo policy, to allow staff to display their tattoos in uniform.

Estelle Hollingsworth, chief people officer at Virgin Atlantic, said in a statement at the time, the move reflects the importance of self-expression.

Other reforms in recent years include make-up being mandatory for Virgin Atlantic cabin crews. As well as options for female staff to wear trousers and flat shoes introduced.