"It is high time we replaced these dated stereotypes (sexual objectification of flight attendants) with images that are a more worthy reflection of the many professional women working in the service sector. It is probably time the "Singapore Girl" went into retirement. Becoming a flight attendant involves rigorous training and getting through highly competitive selection procedures. At Cathay Pacific, only 800 out of 11,000 applicants actually made it last year to become cabin crew members, and they must take examinations to renew their licences yearly.
Airlines need to think about rebranding in a way that highlights this level of professionalism and more comprehensively embraces the diversity existing within the industry.
For example, Cathay's recent "People. They Make An Airline" campaign helps to dispel the image of female flight attendants as good-time girls and emphasises their individuality and professionalism." Su-Mei Thompson, CEO, and Lisa Moore, Research & Advocacy Manager at The Women's Foundation.
