Virgin Australia cabin crew ordered to undergo etiquette classes

Melbourne, July 22 (ANI): Virgin Australia cabin crew will be undergoing classes in etiquette, posture and language as part of the company's bid to supersede Qantas as the airline of choice for business passengers.

Among the changes, flight attendants will no longer be greeting the passengers as "mate" unless the person is a 'Frequent Flyer' and has specifically requested that they want to be addressed that way on the airline's database.

Besides this, all cabin crew must undergo a deportment program called Elevate, in which they learn food and wine appreciation, grooming and body language, such as not crossing arms because it appears defensive.

The suggested changes are a far cry from the casual, almost cheeky attitude staff adopted after the airline was launched in 2000 by Sir Richard Branson.

According to The Sunday Telegraph, one stewardess revealed that the course was about changing the sexualised image of staff, News.com.au reported.

"They want us to get away from that 'sex' look that's been attached to the company," she said.

Airport lounges are too are undergoing a makeover, with the pool table removed from Melbourne and replaced with baristas and a buffet spread designed by chef Luke Mangan.

Virgin Australia group executive of brand and customer experience, Mark Hassell, admitted that the measures were designed to help the airline appeal to 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," he added. (ANI)