Virgin Atlantic has invited applications for 200 new cabin crew positions in its latest recruitment drive. The airline has been making headlines recently for its policy changes regarding tattoos and uniforms for its front-line workers and is aiming to be more inclusive in its practices.

200 cabin crew needed

Virgin Atlantic has announced a recruitment drive with the aim of onboarding 200 employees for cabin crew roles. The airline is looking for candidates who “demonstrate a pioneering spirit, a desire to discover new places and cultures, a positive attitude, and a passion for delivering thoughtful experiences to each customer.”

It will offer an initial 6-month fixed-term contract with the view to extend. Estelle Hollingsworth, Chief People Officer at Virgin Atlantic, commented,

“We’re thrilled to be recruiting for cabin crew once again … Our customers and colleagues come from diverse backgrounds and we’re committed to continuing our support of diversity both on the ground and on board. We’re seeking new recruits 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.”

Changing policies

Virgin Atlantic has recently made changes to several of its policies to accommodate the needs of its front-line employees. In May, it became the first British carrier to allow cabin crew to have visible tattoos.

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Traditionally, airlines hire staff with tattoos only if they remain hidden under their uniforms. This is mainly done to maintain the appearance and grooming standards of the airline. But lately, with carriers having a hard time finding more staff, Virgin decided to be flexible with its tattoo policies.

However, facial and neck tattoos remain banned for flight attendants for now, although Virgin Atlantic is considering relaxing this much later.

Non-gendered uniforms

Last month, Virgin also announced a significant shift in its uniform policy, allowing the airline’s front-line employees to choose the uniforms that best represent their gender identity and expression. The airline has positioned itself as a strong ally of the LGBTQ+ community, and its latest decisions reflect that.

As part of its “Be Yourself” agenda, Virgin has introduced many changes over the years, including rendering make-up optional and including the choice of wearing trousers and flat shoes.

The airline has even gone a step further with optional pronoun badges for the flying crew, ground team, and passengers. This was done so that the carrier’s staff and customers could choose to be addressed by the pronoun that best reflects their gender identity.

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  Virgin Atlantic

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  VS/VIR

  Airline Type:

  Full Service Carrier

  Hub(s):

  London Heathrow Airport

  Year Founded:

  1984

  CEO:

  Shai Weiss

  Country:

  United Kingdom