Virgin Atlantic has received more applications since updating its gender identity policy.
Back in September, the popular airline announced its new Be Yourself campaign – which revealed changes to the established rules regarding employee dress codes.
Under the series of adjustments, staff members – including crew, pilots and ground team – are now able to wear uniforms that aligns with their gender identity.
In addition to the new uniform policy, Virgin Atlantic employees and passengers are also given access to optional pronoun badges.
Lastly, the ticketing system has been updated for individuals who have passports with gender-neutral gender markers – which allows them to select ‘U’ or ‘X’ gender codes on their reservations.
“At Virgin Atlantic, we believe that everyone can take on the world, no matter who they are. That’s why it’s so important that we enable our people to embrace their individuality and be their true selves at work,” said Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Commercial Officer Juha Jarvinen.
“It is for that reason that we want to allow our people to wear the uniform that best suits them and how they identify and ensure our customers are addressed by their preferred pronouns.”
Due to the inclusive new rules, the airline has reportedly seen a massive increase in applications.
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Virgin Atlantic’s chief executive Shai Weiss gave further insight into the high number of applicants.
“We saw a 100pc uplift in applications following the campaign, ‘See the world differently,'” he told the publication.
The business executive went on to praise the inclusive campaign for being a “tremendous” help to the company.
“When we get 10 applicants for every job – we’re in a really good position. Short-haul pilots want to be long-haul pilots. And long-haul pilots want to be Virgin Atlantic pilots,” he added.
Weiss’ comments come a few days after British Airways announced its own gender-inclusive measures.
On 10 November, the airline announced – via a company-wide memo – that all employees would be allowed to have piercings, wear makeup and carry accessories (per The Guardian.)
While employees are given more freedom regarding their appearance, the company encouraged staff to use “subtle shades” and go for a “natural look.”
We love to see all this inclusivity.
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