Only female attendants please, says Indian budget airline

Only female attendants please, says Indian budget airline

    By Avneet Arora
    POSTED: 16 Jul 2013 12:56 PM
  
Mumbai-based GoAir is going all out to trim costs -- and its latest initiative involves dropping all male stewards in order to boost fuel efficiency and reduce the overall weight aboard their aircraft.

INDIA: Mumbai-based GoAir is going all out to trim costs -- and its latest initiative involves dropping all male stewards in order to boost fuel efficiency and reduce the overall weight aboard their aircraft.

The Indian airline has decided to employ female-only flight attendants because they weigh about 20 kilogrammes lighter on average than their heavier male counterparts. The low-cost airline has calculated the move to limit fuel burn will help them save up to US$500,000 a year on fuel costs.

But not everyone agrees with this argument. Captain Varun, vice-president of the Zara Aviation Academy, said: "This is a bizarre decision; there are no solid reasons to say that they are saving a lot in their fuel cost. And males also have their dreams to become cabin crew and so they should also be given a fair chance along with their females counterparts."

Moreover, GoAir's cost saving move to not accept male applicants is also being seen as a clear violation of the right to equal opportunity in matters of employment -- a fundamental right guaranteed in the Indian Constitution.

However, some aviation experts said that discrimination on the basis of physical characteristics and gender -- especially for flight attendants -- is not a new concept in India. For decades, women have dominated the profession in which physical attributes and attractiveness have played a major role in hiring decisions.

However, aviation commentators believe it is time for change. Captain Varun said: "For the hiring, we should not look at the attractiveness of the cabin crew, we should look at the safety and security training, which I feel is the most important part."

The move has also triggered insecurity amongst the aspiring flight stewards who feel that if the trend catches up, it could pose a potential threat to their flying dreams.

One aspiring flight steward, Adeep Ahmad, said: "For sure it will kill all my dreams. Where would I go if these things happen? If all other airlines start following these rules, where will the male cabin crew go?"

Raj Gaur, a fellow aspirant, echoed similar sentiments. He said: "If every airline starts following such rules, then where will youth aspirants go? There will be no option left at all for them in this field."

The rupee depreciation has made it necessary for all Indian airlines to cut costs and save on fuel. While some like GoAir have resorted to desperate measures to stay afloat, others airlines are looking at alternative measures to reduce weight.

However, short of waiting for foreign investors to bail them out, the aviation industry has no option -- some tough measures must be implemented as Indian airlines brace themselves for turbulent times.

- CNA/ac

- wong chee tat :)