The All India Cabin Crew Association (AICCA) now plans to protest against the latest medical guidelines stipulated by the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for cabin crewmembers, according to sources in Air India. The circular, issued on July 24, has now set new parameters and a slew of mandatory medical tests during induction for cabin crewmembers below and above 40 years of age. He added that they would also contemplate legal recourse if required.
The official said that the reason behind AICCA’s protest were the weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio requirements which most members of the AICCA, who are predominantly Air India staffers, would fail. “Private airlines, by virtue of the nature of their ownership, can strictly enforce the weight and hip-size stipulations, particularly for female cabin crewmembers. Air India is a public sector unit (PSU) and unfortunately, cannot afford to consider ‘attractive’ cabin crewmembers as an asset. It is no wonder that the AICCA might contest the new rules,” said an aviation industry source who is privy to the developments.
The DGCA’s rationale behind the new rules, as stated in the circular is, “The need to undergo medical examination for cabin crew is in keeping with their perceived role in flight operations (including aircraft emergencies). The cabin crew needs to remain physically active, mentally alert and comfortable in all phases of aircraft operations and to handle emergencies”.
Former Jet Airways pilot and aviation safety expert captain Girish Kaushik said he fully supported the AICCA decision to contest the regulations and lashed out at the DGCA for making “absurd” regulations.
“The DGCA wants to unnecessarily invade in areas where it shouldn’t. It should first crack down on its own officers who have been indicted in massive corruption cases. As long as the crewmember is presentable and satisfies minimal medical qualifications, it shouldn’t be a problem,” he said.