Cathay Pacific uniforms 'too sexy', say flight attendants

Flight attendants for Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific are lobbying the airline to redesign their uniforms saying they are too revealing and may provoke sexual harassment from customers.

The union representing the cabin crew said the blouses are too short, meaning their flesh is exposed when they bend down to collect items from food trolleys.

They also argue that the knee-length skirts are too form-fitting.

"Whenever a flight attendant bends down, her waistline is exposed," union secretary Michelle Choi told the South China Morning Post.

"We believe the company intentionally does this to make us look a bit sexier and to let the passenger see more."

The union said the uniforms are leading to a rise in sexual harassment on flights, which is estimated to affect each attendant once every ten flights on average.

Ms Choi said most of the harassment came from first class passengers and frequent fliers.

"I think part of the reason is that we treat our passengers so well," she said.

Cathay Pacific said it takes the issue of sexual harassment "very seriously" and crew are welcome to exchange their uniform at any time.