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Virgin Atlantic is saying farewell to its iconic "Flying Lady".

The artwork, which is based on pin-up girls made famous by Alberto Vargas in the 1930s and 1940s, is being replaced on the airline's new Airbus A350-1000 fleet.

Five new "Flying Icons" will now adorn the aircraft, including a black man, a black woman, an Asian woman, and a gay man.



The artwork is based on the pin-up girls made famous by Alberto Vargas in the 1930s and 1940s

The aim is to show the "diverse range of men and women representing modern Britain".The use of male figureheads is said to be a first.

Nikki Humphrey, the airline's Senior Vice President - People, said the airline is aiming to tackle the gender pay gap and increase diversity and inclusion across the business.

"The saying goes 'You can't be what you can't see' and that has never been truer than the aviation industry's glamorous image in the past," Humphrey said.

"We've been working for a number of years to tackle our gender pay gap, create an inclusive workplace and increase the diversity of our workforce, through the development of our Springboard scheme for women, as well as the launch of engineering apprenticeships.

Stuff.co.nz