The staff of Virgin Atlantic can now choose which uniform they want to wear while working, According to The Guardian. The airline’s pilots, flight crew members, and ground workers can wear the uniform they feel most comfortable in.
Options, options!
Both options–the burgundy pants suit and red skirt suit–were designed by Vivienne Westwood and are available to all staff regardless of their “gender, gender identity or gender expression.”
With its new gender expression policy, Virgin aims to reinforce its position as an inclusive and welcoming airline with a diverse staff of employees.
More comfortable attire-
Earlier this year, the airline also loosened its rules on tattoos, allowing employees to leave them visible for the first time. It has also previously relaxed its rules on makeup and will institute mandatory inclusivity training.
In addition to these changes, Virgin Atlantic will also begin offering pronoun badges for both crew and passengers. Customers who desire a badge can ask for one at the time of check-in to ensure people use their preferred pronouns.
Individuals with gender-neutral markers on their passports will also be able to use the codes with Virgin along with the title of Mx.
A statement from Virgin-
“It’s so important that we enable our people to embrace their individuality and be their true selves at work,” said Virgin Atlantic’s chief commercial officer, Juha Järvinen.
“It is for that reason that we want to allow our people to wear the uniform that best suits them and how they identify and ensure our customers are addressed by their preferred pronouns.”
The airline has enlisted Ru Paul’s Drag Race judge, Michelle Visage to help promote the new policy.
Empowerment!
“People feel empowered when they are wearing what best represents them, and this gender identity policy allows people to embrace who they are,” said Visage.
Related: Virgin Atlantic Becomes 1st UK Airline To Allow Crew Members To Show Tattoos
