The 1970s and 1980s saw significant changes in the role of the airline hostess. With the introduction of deregulation in the airline industry, carriers began to face increased competition, leading to a decline in passenger numbers and revenue.
The first airline hostesses were introduced by Boeing Air Transport, which later became United Airlines, in 1930. These early hostesses, known as “cabin boys,” were male attendants who served food and drinks to passengers. However, with the introduction of the first female flight attendants by Boeing Air Transport in 1930, the role of the airline hostess was born. Come Fly with Us-- A Global History of the Airline Hostess
The image of the airline hostess was further romanticized through advertising campaigns, which often featured beautiful women in crisp uniforms, smiling and serving passengers. This era also saw the introduction of new uniform designs, which became an integral part of an airline’s brand identity. The 1970s and 1980s saw significant changes in