China Airlines Introduces Trousers for Female Staff

DALLAS — Taiwanese flag carrier China Airlines (CI) has taken a significant step in supporting workplace gender equality in the Asian country by introducing a new “pantsuit” uniform for its female staff. 

Flight Attendants, Ground Crew, and Ticketing Staff, as well as all other front-line service female employees at Taoyuan Airport (TPE), Songshan Airport (TSA), and Kaohsiung Airport (KHH), will be able to choose between wearing a skirt uniform or pants depending on their personal preference or their type of work. 

The first batch of the new pantsuit uniform was worn on January 1, 2025, with the airline planning to distribute them to “all staff gradually.” These uniforms are produced with safety in mind and are made from an anti-static material. CI says it aims to allow employees to switch between skirts and pantsuits based on the weather and duties.

A China Airlines Flight Attendant said the new uniform was “like a breath of fresh air”, further commenting that “they maintained the same elegant look but allowed the staff to handle their work with more finesse.” The airline said that other feedback from staff was positive, saying that the uniforms were practical and gave them peace of mind whilst carrying out day-to-day tasks such as adjusting overhead bin luggage, bending over to greet passengers, kneeling to pick up objects, and providing them with more warmth and comfort in colder destinations. 

As for Ground Staff, they said the uniform was also practical for carrying out tasks on the ramp and handling luggage. 

On August 2, 2024, Taiwan’s National Human Rights Commission called on Taiwanese airlines to provide trouser uniforms for their female Flight Attendants and other staff, saying it was a form of discrimination. Taiwan’s other major long-haul carrier, EVA Air (BR), has not created a trouser-based uniform option. 

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