Well over one hundred Air India cabin crew staff are set to no longer serve customers in the air because, in the carrier’s opinion, they’re not fit enough to do so.
Criticism has been fired the airline’s way over this move, which before-and-after BMI (body mass index) readings have influenced. In Air India’s opinion, a normal air hostess BMI level falls within the 18-to-22 range. Scores of 22 up to 27 rank as ‘overweight’, while those beyond 27 are considered ‘obese.’ Male flight attendants have a bit more leeway: in their case, the relevant figures are 18-to-25, 25-to-30 and 30-plus.
In 2014, Air India issued a six month deadline for those with high BMI levels to take action. 600 cabin crew member fell within this category: 130 have since failed to make the grade. Ground taskings now potentially face them.
Air India: Fitness Concerns
According to Air India, those involved won’t be grounded over ‘weight’ concerns but, rather, ‘fitness’ worries. ‘People who are fitter’, one (unnamed) airline representative explained, ‘can respond quicker and more efficiently in case of any untoward situation.’
Air India has several times previously courted controversy over the way it has treated staff. In 2009, nine hostesses were dismissed while, five years before that, it essentially discouraged prospective new employees with imperfect features from applying for positions. “Looks matter in this line of work”, an Air India manager said at the time. “When we review a candidate, we look at the skin, teeth and height. There should be no scars, acne, or any major marks on the face.”
Cabin Crew BMIs
Reactions to the latest cabin crew BMIs verdict have, in some cases, been extremely negative. Aviation consultant Mark Martin, talking to the Calcutta Telegraph, described the ‘move to impose a certain BMI, ignoring experience and other performance parameters’ as ‘immature, misogynistic and shockingly sexist’.
Others cautioned against measuring fitness in relation to BMI. They include the Fortis Centre for Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol’s director, Dr Anoop Misra, who stated: “A person with a BMI of 27 could be fitter than a person with a BMI of 21.”
Air India has roots going back to the early 1930s but has had its current title since 1946. Its present fleet consists of 107 aircraft, split roughly equally between Airbus and Boeing products.
News & Image Source: Internet.