China based Hainan Airlines has defended imposing body weight requirements for flight attendants as it faces a public backlash.
The airline introduced a new rule which requires flight attendants to weigh no more than a ‘standard limit’ or they could be grounded.
It falls under a height and weight ratio.
Flight attendants within 5% over the limit would have their weight monitored monthly.
Those heavier would be grounded and put on a ‘weight reduction plan,’ Chinese media reported.
The airline says it applies to males and females.
The standard is ‘based on the human body weight reference and matched with the healthy weight range measurement for the crew’ the airline said,
“This is intended to advocate healthy living habits and maintain a good professional image and healthy physique,” it added.
It sparked angry responses on social media, heavily critical of the airline.
