Air NZ justifies tattoo ban over Asian customers' unease

Air New Zealand has said it will stand by its tattoo ban, acknowledging that its Asian customers would not feel comfortable dealing with crew with the body art.

The carrier reviewed its ban on frontline staff from having visible tattoos following a controversy after

its decision to reject an air hostess a job who had a Maori tattoo on her arm, claiming it could frighten passengers.

According to stuff.co.nz, Air NZ cultural development manager Andrew Baker said regardless of the cultural significance, it would make some passengers uneasy.

He said that they have thoroughly reviewed the issue and noted the positions and comments from other airlines in its region that have similar policies to theirs. These include Virgin Australia, Qantas, Hawaiian Airlines, and Jetstar.