Air India is planning to introduce a health and fitness compliance policy for its cabin crew, under which those found underweight, overweight or obese could face derostering and loss of pay.
The compliance assessment will be based on Body Mass Index (BMI), with a reading of 18–24.9 defined as ‘normal’ and accepted as the desired range by the airline.
A BMI reading of less than 18 will be considered ‘underweight’, though it may be acceptable subject to clearance through medical evaluation and functional assessment. A BMI between 25 and 29.9 will be classified as ‘overweight’ and will be acceptable only if the cabin crew member clears the functional assessment.
A BMI of 30 or above will be categorised as ‘obese’ and will not be considered an acceptable range.
Under the policy, effective from May 1, a cabin crew member will be derostered if found to be either underweight or overweight and will be required to clear a functional assessment.
If the crew member fails to pass the assessment, they will be placed on loss of pay until clearance is obtained.
For those classified as obese, immediate action will include derostering and loss of pay. Such crew members will be required to achieve an acceptable BMI within a stipulated period. The airline will take corrective action against those who fail to meet the prescribed BMI parameters.
The loss-making Air India has phased out most of its legacy staff over the past four years. The airline was acquired by the Tata Group in January 2022.
Announcing the ‘Cabin Crew Health and Fitness Compliance Policy’, Air India said the initial rollout aims to promote awareness around maintaining a healthy lifestyle and familiarise crew with the process of maintaining an appropriate weight category.
“The current policy, in the interim, serves as a preparatory measure before the policy with enhanced fitness standards is implemented,” the airline said.
The policy will apply to both active cabin crew and those currently under training.
(With inputs from PTI.)