British Airways' first Chinese cabin crew is in service

Chinese cabin crew poses with Richard Tams, British Airways' executive vice president for China, at the airline's crew base in Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily]

British Airways' first Chinese cabin crew is in service onboard flights between China and London, according to the airline's senior official.

The 54 Chinese recruits are on duty on flights from Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu to London, said Richard Tams, British Airways' executive vice president for China, at the airline's new crew base in Beijing on Friday.

Selected from over 2,500 applicants, the new recruits have undergone an 8-week training program at British Airways' headquarters in London, including intensive training in flight safety, security and medical procedures. They will be based in Beijing and Shanghai.

"All flights from China to London will have at least two Chinese crew on board," Tams said. "By bringing Chinese crew on board, with their understanding and appreciation of the tastes and preferences of Chinese customers, we are hoping to add more cultural flavor to our flights," he added.