Virgin Atlantic has done away with gender-based dress requirements and is seeing the world differently

A few days ago, the Virgin Atlantic airline updated its uniform policy.

By scrapping gender-specific dress requirements and introducing name badges the company will now allow its staff to “wear uniforms that express their true identity”.

What does this mean in practice? Personnel, including flight crew and pilots, will be able to choose what to wear.

That is, even male flight attendants or pilots will be able to wear skirts and female trousers.

That is, it allows the crew to choose which uniform to wear: the company’s “red” option, which was previously worn by female flight attendants, or the “burgundy” option, which was worn by men.

Virgin Atlantic’s announcement was made on social media today, with RuPaul’s Drag Race star Michelle Visage starring in the campaign, in an effort to “reflect the diversity of its workforce”.

The airline will also make optional name badges, allowing staff – as well as customers – to be called as they wish.

Badges, available from today, can be requested at check-in.