Virgin Australia cabin crew have been told to no longer call passengers ‘mate’ as the airline tries to win business travellers from struggling airline Qantas.
Flight attendants are being asked to complete a course called ‘Elevate’ which offers tips on etiquette, wine-appreciation, grooming and body language.
Part of the training is to scrap the traditional Aussie greeting of ‘mate’, reports Australia’s Daily Telegraph.
Staff will only be allowed to use the term to address frequent flyer passengers who have given their consent in the airline’s database.
Virgin Australia’s group executive of brand and customer experience, Mark Hassell, has also decided to smarten up the airline’s Melbourne Airport lounge, replacing the pool table with baristas and a buffet.
Hassell said: "We want to retain of the spirit that exists within Virgin service style and service behavior but put it in a context that is equally relevant for business-purpose and corporate travelers."
