Air France, one of Europe's top airlines, launched another recruitment drive in Shanghai for Chinese interpreters who know French well, airline officials revealed yesterday. The carrier had already enrolled five interpreters in July.

"As most Chinese passengers know little about the French language, an interpreter can help them communicate with our French crew," said Zhuang Ying, the public relations manager of the company's Shanghai office.

The recruitment drive has gained urgency because the carrier will increase its Shanghai-Paris frequency from the current five flights a week in March.

Air France is not alone. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is already using interpreters on its Beijing-Amsterdam flights.

The Holland-based airline plans to recruit interpreters in Shanghai soon when two more flights are added on the Shanghai-Amsterdam route next April, KLM officials said.

"Actually, the interpreters serve as more than just translators. Many Chinese on board tend to seek their help in case of any trouble during their trip, including transferring at foreign airports," said Zhuang.

The UK-based Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. and Japan Airlines, however, have opted to hire local air hostesses who can speak both Chinese and English to break the language barrier.

"We are not employing local air hostesses because we hope to impress our customers with our pure French-style service," explained Zhuang.

Meanwhile, in a bid to improve service, Hongqiao International Airport, one of the city's two airports, is putting its female employees -- most ground staff at the terminal building -- through a regime of body-shaping classes, including basic ballet skills and elegant posture while standing, sitting, walking and smiling.

The airport hopes to impress passengers with an elegant and high-spirited image of its staff.

"Their service is the visitors' first impression about Shanghai. Such training will polish their appearance, both in outlook and spirit," said Qiu Peihua in charge of the training.

(eastday.com December 9, 2002)