Top News

Air India is planning to bring a health and fitness compliance policy for its cabin crew. Under this policy, people who are found underweight, overweight or obese can be removed from duty and their salary can also be deducted. This compliance assessment will be based on the body mass index (BMI) of the cabin crew members. In this, a reading between 18 to 24.9 will be considered 'normal' and the airline will accept it as 'desired range'. According to the information, in this policy, BMI reading less than 18 will be considered 'underweight'. However, it can be accepted after passing medical examination and functional assessment. A BMI reading between 25 and 29.9 will be considered 'overweight' and can also be accepted, provided the cabin crew member passes a functional assessment.

The policy will be implemented from May 1

According to this policy, which will come into effect from May 1, a reading of 30 or more will be considered 'obese' and will not fall within the acceptable limit. If any cabin crew member is found 'underweight' or 'overweight', he or she will be removed from duty and will have to pass a functional assessment. The policy states that if the member fails to pass the assessment, his salary will be deducted until he passes it. Immediate action will be taken against cabin crew members who are found to be 'obese', which will include removal from duty and deduction of salary. Such people will have to achieve acceptable BMI within a certain number of days. Loss-making Air India will take corrective action against obese cabin crew members who do not meet the prescribed BMI standards. Air India has removed most of its old employees in the last four years.

What is the purpose of the airline?

This airline was purchased by Tata Group in January 2022. Introducing the 'Cabin Crew Health and Fitness Compliance Policy', Air India told cabin crew members that its initial objective is to spread awareness about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and to familiarize them with the process of maintaining the right weight category. The current policy, meanwhile, will serve as a preparation before the implementation of a policy with more stringent fitness standards, the airline said. This new policy will be applicable to those who are currently flying and also to those who are undergoing training.