Virgin Atlantic’s female cabin crew are no longer required to wear makeup to work.
The airline’s female cabin crew, known for their red uniform, will also be given trousers as standard, rather than having to specially request them.
The move is a “significant change” for the aviation industry, according to Virgin.
Virgin Atlantic executive vice president of customer, Mark Anderson, said that the airline had “always stood out from the crowd and done things differently”.
“We want our uniform to truly reflect who we are as individuals while maintaining that famous Virgin Atlantic style,” he added.
“We have been listening to the views of our people and as a result have announced some changes to our styling and grooming policy that support this.
“Not only do the new guidelines offer an increased level of comfort, they also provide our team with more choice on how they want to express themselves at work. Helping people to be themselves is core to our desire to be the most loved travel company.”
Female staff can still wear makeup if they wish, said Virgin Atlantic.
Most full-service airlines require cabin crew to adhere to certain beauty standards.
British Airways staff are asked to wear a minimum of lipstick, while Emirates staff are encouraged to undergo a seven-step makeup routine – including a signature lipstick shade to match the hat. United cabin crew are asked to apply makeup “conservatively” and avoid “extreme colours”.
When asked about the makeup policy of the airline, a British Airways spokesperson said: “Hundreds of our cabin crew are working with British designer Ozwald Boateng to create a stylish and professional new look to mark our centenary.”
