Virgin Atlantic adopts gender-inclusive flight uniform
Airline Virgin Atlantic is launching a new gender identity policy that scraps gendered uniform options for all employees.
Effective immediately, the British Airline crews, pilots, and ground staff can finally choose to wear the uniform which they best identify with at work.
The Vivienne Westwood-designed red and burgundy uniforms will become available regardless of the staff's gender, an airline spokesperson told CNN on Wednesday.
RuPaul's Drag Race judge Michelle Visage appeared in a video released by the airline as part of its “Be Yourself” program campaign.
As part of their bid to reflect diversity of their workforce, Virgin will also start using optional pronoun badges and a new ticketing system that allows passport holders to choose markers either be "U" or "X" gender codes and use the "Mx." Pronoun title.
“At Virgin Atlantic, we believe that everyone can take on the world, no matter who they are,” Chief commercial officer Juha Jarvinen said in a statement.
“That’s why it’s so important that we enable our people to embrace their individuality and be their true selves at work. 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.” he added.
Founded in 1984, the long-haul carrier is known for introducing several policy reforms such as making wearing make-up non-compulsory, giving female staff the option to wear trousers and flat shoes, and updating their tattoo policy starting June this year.