SriLankan Airlines: Obese Cabin Crew To Crash Land – New Directive Issued By CAA Boss
H.M.C. Nimalsiri, the Director General & Chief Executive Officer of Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka has issued a directive termed ‘Medical Requirements and Examinations for Cabin Crew Members’ that is likely to see many currently obese Flight Attendants of SriLankan Airlines either been removed from flying duties or terminated.
One of the objectives of the issued directive to the national carrier SriLankan Airlines dated 15th of August 2017, is to ensure that each Cabin Crew remains medically fit to discharge the duties specified in the job description of the Cabin Crew Member and other internal and regulatory manuals which governs their profession.
The directive also emphasizes that the physical and mental ability of a Cabin Crew Member is essential in order to:
(a) Handle and efficiently operate the aircraft systems and emergency equipment in the cabin which are used for safety and emergency procedures e.g. cabin management systems, doors/exits, escape devices, fire extinguishers, taking also into account the type of aircraft operated e.g. narrow-bodied or wide-bodied, single/multi deck, single/multi-crew operation;
(b) Sustain continuously the aircraft environment whilst performing duties, e.g. altitude, pressure, re-circulated air, noise; and the type of operations such as short/medium/long haul; where applicable and / or when called upon to do so.
(c) Perform the required duties and responsibilities efficiently during normal and abnormal operations, and in emergency situations and psychologically demanding circumstances e.g. assistance to crew members and passengers in case of decompression; stress management, decision-making, crowd control and effective crew coordination, management of disruptive passengers and of security threats. When relevant, operating with minimum, crew should also be taken into account when assessing the medical fitness of cabin crew; and
(d) Create a good image, impression and also provide confidence to average passengers that they are in the safe hand of professional crew who are dynamic and agile enough to respond to any unlikely event of an emergency.
Cabin Crew are now required to undergo a full medical examination which will also include the measurement of weight and height by using the standard Body Mass Index Chart.
Cabin Crew will be categorized as Fit, Temporary Unfit or Permanent Unfit at the conclusion of their medical examination.
With the aviation industry expanding at phenomenal speed and air travel been a necessity rather than a luxury as in the past, it is an industry norm that airlines strive to maintain and portray their corporate and brand image through their Cabin Crew.
