• by Erik Sass  @eriksass1, March 3, 2010

Female flight attendants employed by discount carrier AirTran are not pleased with the company's decision to rent out space on the fuselage of one of its Boeing 737s passenger jets for a promotion for Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue, in the style of a WWII-era pinup. The somewhat risqué image, now removed, drew both criticism from the flight attendants' union and a defense from management.

Positioned by the entry hatchway where it is sure to attract attention, the image was less revealing than the average Maxim cover, but clearly meant to titillate. It showed a busty blonde in a one-piece black bathing suit and black high-heeled shoes, in profile, leaning back on one hand with her other hand behind her head.

On behalf of employee-members at AirTran, the Association of Flight Attendants released a statement: "It is our feeling that this is not only contrary to the family image that this company tries to promote, but also potentially offensive to their female employees, the majority of their flight attendants who will have to work on this aircraft."

One of the main problems noted by the AFA was the "potential for verbal abuse by male passengers" stemming from the image.

Representing AirTran's management, a spokesman characterized the decal as "subdued and classy," noting the similarity to WWII pinups. (Pinups also drew disapproval during WWII, but were tolerated in recognition of the risks and stress associated with life in the military.)

Past SI swimsuit promotions with airlines have been notably more revealing, including last year's Southwest Airlines decal showing a much larger image of a model in a two-piece bikini.