Virgin Australia cabin crew have been told to refrain from calling passengers "mate" and watch their posture as part of a bid to appeal more to business travellers.
A compulsory training program called Elevate is being rolled out for flight attendants, which teaches them wine and food appreciation and covers body language and grooming etiquette, the Sunday Telegraph reports.
The airline, founded in 2000 by Sir Richard Branson, has had a reputation for its casual and slightly cheeky attitude from its staff.
One flight attendant told the newspaper the training course is about transforming the staff's sexualised image.
"They want us to get away from that sex look that's been attached to the company," she said.
Supermodel Elle Macpherson was brought in for the launch of Virgin's new uniform in 2011.Photo: Getty
Passengers will only be referred to as "mate" if they've requested that greeting on the airline's database.
Virgin Australia customer experience group executive Mark Hassell says they are striving to attract a more "discerning" business traveller.
"We are not creating clones and we are not creating straightjackets for people," he said. "We want to retain of the spirit that exists within Virgin service style and service behaviour but put it in a context that is equally relevant for business-purpose and corporate travellers."
The airline's airport lounges are also being remodeled, with Melbourne's pool table being replaced with a buffet bar complete with professional baristas.
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60 Comments
And in futher news that we are NOT alowed to comment on - because of political pressure put on tthe media to gag public comment by comrade ju-LIAR 'BARGEARSE' and her bunch of thugs - - FERAL labor has now slipped back to less than 30% approval by voters ! DIE YOU SOCIALIST SCUM ! :-P
ReplyWell, poor little 'cj' - or - 'areel' - or - which ever of your phoney I D's you're going to use next - - we took a vote. We believe your mother's explanation as to why you are this way . . . . she told us that the best part of you dribbled down your old man's leg ! :-P
ReplyAreel... is it true that Muslims believe that the next prophet will be born of man? isnt that why men from that region wear pants with thelegs tied up round their ankles so that you can catch the next prophet. Isnt that also why you have "squat toilets" so you can watch what comes out... BTW I lived in the middle east for quite a long time... I have seen all the hand holding etc you guys get upto.
1 ReplyThey shouldn't call us "guys" either as it s very unprofessional, nor say "imporrrant" instead of "important" when giving safety instruction.
ReplyAreel, that's funny. I choose to not marry - and have happily "lived in sin" for more than 2 decades. I think I'd be set alight in the town square in Saudi Arabia .... hahahahaha
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