Cabin crew at Virgin Australia are being ordered to take classes in etiquette, posture and language in order to improve service on the airline.

The decision is part of a wider strategy from the airline designed to take on Qantas as the airline of choice for business-class passengers.

Training will see flight attendants refrain from greeting passengers as “mate” - unless the person is a Frequent Flyer and has specifically requested they want to be addressed in that manner.

Virgin Australia is presently in the running for the title of Australasia’s Leading Airline at the World Travel Awards.