Cathay Pacific ends 70-year-long skirts-only dress code for female flight attendants

The female flight attendants have been demanding a uniform change for some time

Cathay Pacific flight attendants will soon be able to wear trousers (Getty)

Hong Kong national airline Cathay Pacific will end its 70-year-old skirts-only rule for female uniformed staff and allow them to wear trousers following a historic win by the flight attendants’ union.

Founded in 1946, the Hong Kong airline has maintained the strict skirts-only dress code for female flight attendants - despite growing backlash against the rule.

In 2014, Cathay Pacific flight attendants first requested a redesign of their uniforms, which they expressed made them feel more susceptible to sexual harassment, due to the short nature of the skirts.

Since then, female airline employees have become increasingly vocal about their discomfort with the uniforms, and the necessity of a uniform change.

According to Pauline Mak, vice chair of the Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Flight Attendants Association, the short uniforms concerned the flight attendants when they had to reach to lift luggage into the overhead bins or take public transportation while dressed in uniform.

The uniform Cathay Pacific flight attendants are currently expected to wear consists of white logo blouses, red skirts with two slits, sheer black stockings, and black high heels. A red jacket is optional.

However, the strict rule will finally be lifted after the flight attendants’ union won the right to wear trousers.

Of the progressive step, Mak said: “We welcome and appreciate the company’s decision on giving us an option in choosing uniforms” as “It not only provides us one more option but also provides us with protection.”

The airline confirmed that uniforms for both Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon would be re-evaluated following the news and said: “Just as we recognise it is important to provide our customers with more choice, the same is also true for our colleagues.”

A spokesperson for the airline also acknowledged that it is “imperative” their staff feel pride in wearing their uniforms, and “feel comfortable and empowered to carry out their duties to the best of their abilities”

Unfortunately, the change will likely not come for at least three years - as Mak said the change will take place during the next uniform refresh.