That distinctive Virgin Atlantic red lipstick may soon be wiped clean from the carrier’s cabins after staff were told that they’re no longer required to work with a face full of makeup.
Virgin Atlantic made the game-changing decision to relax its dress code for female staff this week, which includes removing the mandatory make-up while on duty rule and providing them with pants as part of their standard uniform (previously, staff had to seek permission to wear pants).
Mark Anderson, the carrier’s Executive Vice President, told CNN that the aim of relaxing crew uniform requirements is to encourage gender equality in an industry where pilots are mostly made up of males and flight attendants are mostly made up of females.
Additionally, Anderson hopes staff will feel more relaxed at work and have further freedom to express themselves.
“As an airline, we have always stood out from the crowd and done things differently to the rest of the industry. We want our uniform to truly reflect who we are as individuals while maintaining that famous Virgin Atlantic style.”
Mark Anderson, Virgin Atlantic Executive Vice President
Prior to this week’s rule change, Virgin Atlantic flight attendants were obliged to wear fresh blush, mascara and red lipstick throughout their shift.
Cabin crew who wish to continue wearing makeup are still free to do so.
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