Hong Kong Airlines cabin crew are attending kung fu lessons to help them handle drunk or disturbing passengers, according to reports.

The idea was suggested as about three cases of disruptive passengers were being reported every week.

Eva Chan, deputy general manager of corporate communication, offered an example of how the ancient Chinese martial art could help: “One of the passengers was sick but he was probably drunk and felt unwell. The crew member attended to him and she realized her fitness was helping her, especially because the guy was quite heavy.

“Normally, a female cabin crew can’t handle a fat guy, especially if he’s drunk, but because of the training, she can handle it quite easily,” she told the Sunday Morning Post.

The crews practice Wing Chun, a type of kung fu specially designed for women. It is said to be a perfect martial art to practice in small spaces like on airplanes.

One of its stewardesses said, “This is not for attacking passengers, but to protect myself as well as others in case of emergency.”

Katherine Chung, the trainer, said “it’s easy to learn but difficult to master.”

By Kang Yoon-seung
(koreacolin@gmail.com)
Intern reporter



Photos by AP-Yonhap News