Air India is to ground 130 cabin crew for being overweight after issuing a warning last year to 600 of its 3,500 staff that they must slim down.
The carrier imposes a strict body mass index (BMI) for cabin crew, for both male and female employees.
Tests carried out last year left 600 crew in the ‘overweight’ or ‘obese’ category and obliged to have clinical examinations and agree to lifestyle changes to lose weight, according to the Telegraph.
However, 130 have failed a reassessment and will be reassigned to ground-based roles.
“We are now declaring them permanently unfit for their job as flight attendants,” Air India told the newspaper.
“People who are fitter can respond quicker and more efficiently in case of any untoward situation.”
A member of the All India Cabin Crew Association said the move was “ridiculous”.
“Any industry insider would vouch that Air India flight attendants are the best, mainly because of their long experience. So, this guideline and the management’s decision to follow it to the letter is unacceptable.”