“We cut costs wherever possible and the changes will represent a significant reduction in weight,” said Ryanair spokesman Stephen McNamara in an interview in the Telegraph. He described how the in-flight magazine has been reduced in size and that the amount of ice carried on board has been cut too. “We even encourage staff to watch their weight.”
The weight of trolleys and seats have also been tackled. Ryanair insists these measures are for the good of customers, and has said it will not introduce fuel surcharges – something Virgin Atlantic and British Airways have done – to combat the rising cost of fuel.
McNamara suggested an incentive for Ryanair cabin crew to slim down would be the chance of appearing in the charity calendar – another Ryanair initiative that has sparked controversy.
In February this year the airline had two newspaper adverts banned following complaints that they were sexist and exploitative. They featured images of cabin crew members in swimwear and underwear, taken from the charity calendar.
What are your views? Do you think Ryanair is helping promote cabin crew as a legitimate profession, or is this obsession with weight and body image damaging, and likely to offend? Is this the best way for Ryanair to get publicity? Share your comments below.
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