Virgin Atlantic has become the first airline in the UK to allow its cabin crew to show off visible arm tattoos while in uniform. The company’s new policy was described as, “A significant shift in an industry that has long had strict criteria on who is suitable to be cabin crew and how they should look.”
The British airline is relaxing its body art rules as part of a new recruitment drive to ramp up its cabin crew numbers post-COVID-19 pandemic. “Many people use tattoos to express their unique identities, and our customer-facing and uniformed colleagues should not be excluded from doing so if they choose. In line with our focus on inclusion and championing individuality, we’re relaxing our tattoo restrictions for all our people,” said the airline’s Chief People Officer, Estelle Hollingsworth.
“We’re committed to supporting diversity both on the ground and on board, so we seek people from all backgrounds who aspire to be the friendly, smiling and professional face that is the airline – with the iconic Virgin Atlantic style and flair. We champion difference and individuality, and by encouraging all of our people to truly be themselves at work, we uphold an inclusive environment where they each can thrive.”
