January 02, 2019
LAHORE: The national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), has directed cabin crew members to lose weight to meet “desired standard/ BMI”.
“In order to operate, all international layover flights, management has decided to gradually reduce waiver of 30lbs excess weight to zero lbs in the coming months,” the circular read.
As per the circular, all cabin crew members who weigh 30 pounds over the set limit should lose five pounds every month till July of this year.
“If any crew found above 30lbs from the standard weight after January 31, 2019, will be grounded and referred to Air Crew Medical Center for medical evaluation and treatment until weight is reduced up to desired standard. BMI,” it added.
“Henceforth, weight check of all cabin crew will be carried out at their base stations respectively and comprehensive date will be maintained for perusal of management,” it further read.
The circular also directed all cabin crew already on weight check to report to the “grooming cell up till the 15th of each month for clearance of international/ domestic flights in their next roster”.
Crew members have expressed reservations over the circular and said that if it is not taken back they will challenge it in the Supreme Court.