Virgin Atlantic accused of sexism over anniversary advert

Virgin Atlantic's anniversary TV ad campaign, featuring crowds lusting after female cabin crew, has prompted complaints to the advertising watchdog that it is sexist and insulting to women. The 90-second commercial, set to Frankie Goes to Hollywood classic Relax, features a glamorous red-suited cabin crew and pilot walking through an airport for Virgin Atlantic's first flight in 1984.

As the pilot and entourage walk through the airport crowds of people, mostly men, ogle the array of glamourous air hostesses. One man inadvertently squirts hamburger filling over himself while watching the procession.

At the end of the ad, which runs with the line "Still red hot", two men are seen mesmerised by the pilot and his crew.

"I need to change my job," remarks one of the men. "I need to change my ticket," says the other.

But despite receiving 29 complaints the Advertising Standards Authority said that the £6m ad campaign, which also includes press advertising, is not sexist.

The ASA said: "The general crux of the complaints was that the ad was offensive because it was sexist and presented a stereotypical view of gender roles."