Now, there is gender equality in the skies

Almost a decade into the 21st century, the 1,164 air hostesses of the national airline have been granted the same rights as their 913 male pursers. Historically there were a number of discrepancies in the way female staff were treated in relation to their male counterparts by the organization. While male flight attendants age limit has been 58 from the beginning the so called ‘air hostesses’ were only allowed this limit finally in 2003. This however was with the proviso that they undergo regular health checks to ensure their airworthiness. Male members of the cabin crew only had to undergo an annual weight check, that too without the risk of suspension even if they were found to be overweight. AI has finally agreed with its cabin crew officers association that both male and female cabin crew will now have to undergo regular medical check-ups. Another major step forward is that the in-flight supervisor’s role would no longer be confined to the male pursers with airhostesses also getting the chance to head the division. The new agreement also allows for the interchangeability of duties between pursers and stewardesses – a development that will see male cabin crew serving food and drinks like their female colleagues.