Pilots are being used to use neutral, more inclusive terms
British Airways passengers will no longer be addressed as “ladies and gentlemen”, according to reports, with language used in onboard announcements set to be changed to “reflect the diversity” of those travelling.
Instead, The Telegraph reports, pilots are being urged to use neutral, more inclusive terms, bringing the announcements in line with those at airports.
BA’s airport teams are understood to have stopped using “ladies and gentlemen” in announcements for over a year.
The decision reflects new social norms and because of the large numbers of children flying, reports claim.
A British Airways spokesman said of the report: “We celebrate diversity and inclusion and we’re committed to ensuring that all our customers feel welcome when travelling with us.”
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If BA starts using more gender-neutral greetings it will join other airlines including EasyJet, Lufthansa, and AirCanada in doing so.
Last month Air Malta announced its pilots would use phrases such as “attention, all passengers” rather than gendered terms.
And other transport providers have introduced similar practices, like Transport for London. It stopped using “ladies and gentlemen” in 2017.
