Jakarta, CNNIIndonesia —
Airline company India Air recently released a new policy for its cabin crew. Airline company flight it prohibits cabin crew from having gray hair or baldness in their hair.
This new rule was given to cabin crew in a 40-page booklet. The brochure was just distributed to all India Air staff last October.
These rather extreme and “strange” aviation rules emerged after the company was taken over by one of India’s conglomerates, the Tata Group. They seem to want to improve the reputation of the airline, starting with the appearance of the staff.
Additionally, this new rule would be followed by cabin crew during shifts and even outside of their shifts. The Tata Group appears to ban aging by not allowing gray hair to roam their company.
“Grey hair is not permitted. Gray hair should be dyed regularly. Trendy colors and henna are not permitted,” the guidelines read, as quoted by the Nz Herald.
Not only baldness and gray hair in men, other rules are also made for women. It was forbidden for women to have blond hair, in a low bun or in a high bun.
Cabin crew must regularly trim and shave their facial hair. Mustaches and beards are also strictly prohibited during the flight. “The male crew must wear razors on every flight.”
They are also prohibited from wearing jewelry, except for wedding rings and bracelets that symbolize the Sikh faith.
Not the first “crazy” rule
Before gray hair was banned from flying, other equally outlandish rules were also enacted. This rule requires India Air cabin crew to check their body mass index (BMI) and weight before the flight.
While airing the policy, they claimed it was related to security concerns. Because overweight crew can pose a risk in an emergency situation.
However, India Air’s cabin crew union disputed this claim. According to them, the examination had an impact on the mental health of the crew and no medical professional was present.
Apart from matters of appearance, other guidelines also prohibit staff from posting political, religious or corporate information online. An employee said staff thought the rules were too strict.
“Some think it is necessary to build the image of the airline, but others see it too much,” they said.
(tst/wiw)
