Air India cabin crew union objects to new pre-flight 'BMI, weight check' rule

Air India cabin crew union has opposed the new weight check rule, stating that they cannot be conducted in the absence of doctors in the privacy of medical clinics.

Air India's cabin crew union has objected to a new company circular mandating Body Mass Index (BMI)/weight checks by "grooming associates" prior to embarking on flights.

The objection was conveyed to the Executive Director of the airline's Inflight Services Department in a strongly-worded letter by the All India Cabin Crew Association (AICCA)

In a company-wide communique on January 20, the Executive Director (IFS) had informed that each cabin crew member will now be subjected to such BMI/weight checks on a quarterly basis.

"Grooming associates have been assigned the task of recording observations on the BMI management/grooming/uniform turnout of cabin crew when they report for a flight or standby duty at CCMCO. These observations shall be complied and sent to the office of the undersigned," the circular read.

It noted, "Cabin crew who are well-dressed and well-groomed according to uniform standards and regulations, present a positive and professional image of the airline."

In response, AICCA has opposed the new weight checks and BMI management in the absence of them being conducted by doctors in the privacy of medical clinics, but instead pre-flight at CCMCO (airport office) by 'grooming associates' (contractual cabin crew).

AICCA members say that crew have been undergoing BMI and weight checks from 2008 and 1998 respectively, as per what is stipulated in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's CAR or Civil Aviation Requirements, but only at the hands of medical professionals or doctors.