CSKA9JA BUSINESS:In UK Female cabin crew win the right to wear trousers aboard British Airways

Before now, female cabin crew on the 3,000-strong mixed fleet had to wear a skirt unless exempt on medical or religious grounds. Share 47 After an argument that led to a two year battle over who wears trouser at British Airways, female hostesses have won their fight to wear trousers while aboard the airline. According to a report by the UK Guardian, workers won the 24-months long battle after the airline agreed to allow all cabin crew, male and female, to keep their legs covered.

 The airline has agreed to allow crew to wear trousers if they choose, undoing part of the dress code imposed on new recruits who have joined the company since 2012. Before now, female cabin crew on the 3,000-strong mixed fleet had to wear a skirt unless exempt on medical or religious grounds. Unite, the crew’s union disclosed that the British Airline was “joining the 21st century” by making the change, a decision made after an internal test case.

 The airline's spokesperson said, “Our mixed fleet team wear the ‘ambassador’ British Airways uniform. While trousers are not a standard part of this uniform, colleagues wishing to wear them can request this through their manager.” Crew in BA’s worldwide (long-haul) and Euro fleets have been able to wear trousers since 2003, after a uniform overhaul by designer Julien Macdonald. Meanwhile, Etihad removed the option in its revamp last year, Virgin Atlantic reviews requests on a case-by-case basis, with skirts the norm.