When you're flying passengers to their holiday destinations you want them to be excited that they’re going to a foreign land, and to look forward to experiencing a different culture and way of life. What you don't want to do is input some form of negative stereotype that the locals are 'dangerous' and should be avoided at all costs.
That is unless you’re Air China.
The Chinese airline have attracted controversy after an image was posted on Twitter by Beijing-based producer Haze Fan (journalist for US News Channel CNBC), of their monthly in-flight magazine (Wings of China). The article in question warned travellers to take 'precautions' "when entering areas mainly populated by Indians, Pakistanis and black people". The airline also advised "tourists not to go out alone at night" and that female tourists should "always to be accompanied by another person when travelling".
According to The Guardian, MPs have urged the Chinese ambassador to the UK to obtain an apology from Air China for their seemingly racist comments about London’s ethnically populated areas. Veranda Sharma, a Labour MP for Ealing Southall has stated that he’s:
"... raised this issue with the Chinese ambassador, and requested that he ensures an apology is swiftly forthcoming from Air China, and the magazine is removed from circulation immediately.
Labour MP for Tooting, Rosen Allin-Khan voiced a similar sentiment when speaking to The Evening Standard, adding:
"I think it is offensive to all Londoners, not just the ethnic minorities mentioned.
Lambeth and Southwark London Assembly member Florence Eshalomi also extended an invitation to China's UK ambassador to show him what "what an international city London is". She was very critical of airline’s claim that London is unsafe, stating that "Air China is doing a disservice to its passengers".
Air China's 'Wings of China' Magazine clearly hasn't gone down well on social media either
Despite the controversy Air China have made no comment in regards to the published article.
[Via The Guardian]
