Yes, it is a misunderstanding to the public as all airlines advertisement will only feature their beautiful cabin crew which protrait a slim figure. Actually, not only airlines advertisement, majority advertisements will show off their thin model to market their product. As such, do not fall into the trap that only slim crews are seen in the cabin. We need to seriously looking into the common myth about slim.



Firstly, it is important to determine what 'slim' means. The more appropriate definition should be that Asian airlines typically hire candidates with appropriate height weight proportions. Increasingly, most airlines, including Asian carriers are using BMI (Body Mass Index) as a gauge rather than slim appearance. To calculate BMI, one must take height (in cm) and divide it by weight (in kg). Most airlines will take in BMI ranging from 2.2 to 3.0. Another alternate way is to use your height, deduct 110 units (e.g. 165 - 110 = 55 kg) and that would be your maximum weight. This rule of thumb is called Max. Weight calculation and is used for quick calculation by most recruiters during interviews. Hence, it is important not to overstate your height and understate your weight as it can lead to a miscalculation. Overstating your height and understating your weight makes your BMI too high or your maximum weight too high, resulting in interviewers thinking that you are too light. So, slim crew is only a perception and can be misleading if BMI or Max. Weight calculation is not used.

Being slim could actually be a problem, that most Asian airlines have started to realize but unfortunately, not doing so due to legacy perception that slim is physically appealing. The weight of an empty cart used on the aircraft is approximately 50Kg, without being laden with drinks and food. On certain short flights, cabin crew are required to push them at a slight angle of ascend in order to serve drinks early. This creates tremendous amount of strain on the lower back. A lot of "slim" crew might actually suffer lower back ache due to such continuous strain on their lower backs. Hence, increasingly, airlines recruiters/interviewers are using height weight proportions or BMI to determine if a crew is appropriate to be hired.

Having said that, there are many consideration for selecting candidates. Different airlines have different requirement.

eg. Emirates need to meet their minimum reach requriement whereas SIA need to meet their minimum height requriement.

However, airlines looks into individuals present presentatin and personality:

. Servable

. Teachable

. Team-player

. Leadership

...etc to name a few.

Good luck in all your future interviews.