A Chinese language airline is doubling down after going through backlash on its weight restrictions for flight attendants

• Hainan Airways’ new weight coverage for flight attendants precipitated controversy this month.
• The rule requires flight attendants deemed greater than 10% obese to reduce weight inside a month.
• An airline spokesperson advised CNN the coverage “meant to advocate wholesome dwelling habits.”

China’s Hainan Airways just isn’t backing down from its controversial weight restrictions for flight attendants.

In line with CNN, the airline spurred controversy this month when it introduced by way of Chinese language state media that feminine flight attendants surpassing the “customary restrict” can be grounded.

Per Shanghai Each day, the corporate makes use of a height-to-weight components to calculate whether or not or not a flight attendant is obese.

If the flight attendant is greater than 5% obese however lower than 10%, the corporate will give them 30 days to drop the kilos, and they’ll even be subjected to weekly weight check-ins, in response to the outlet. Throughout that interval, the flight attendant can be suspended from flying. 

Regardless of the backlash it obtained, Hainan Airways seemingly doubled down on its coverage in an announcement to CNN Monday.

An airline spokesperson stated their guideline was “primarily based on the usual human physique weight reference and matched with the wholesome weight vary measurement for the crew.” The spokesperson added that the rule displays flight attendants’ “well being, bodily form and posture.”

Nonetheless, they clarified that the load insurance policies can be enforced on flight attendants of all genders and “can’t be interpreted as a easy criterion to droop a flight attendant like some media did.”

“That is meant to advocate wholesome dwelling habits and preserve a superb skilled picture and wholesome physique by anchoring the reference goal, somewhat than passively ready for particular person crew members’ physique to vary considerably after which have an effect on security service work,” the assertion says.

Representatives for Hainan Airways didn’t instantly reply to Insider’s request for remark. 

This is not the primary time an airline has come underneath hearth for weight insurance policies.

In 2021, a former Emirates flight attendant advised The Mirror her weight was randomly checked after one other worker raised concern to the corporate.

In June, Australian airline Qantas loosened pointers round flight attendant appearances. The airline introduced that feminine flight attendants would not need to put on heels and allowed all flight attendants to put on make-up.