For the first time in nearly 20 years, British Airways has unveiled a new uniform. Female cabin crew will be able to wear jumpsuits, which the company describes as an “airline first”. The airline has also included a tunic and hijab option for female cabin crew.
Ozwald Boateng, a British fashion designer, worked for five years overhauling the flag carrier’s business dress. The coronavirus pandemic caused a two-year delay in it. Women can choose to wear a dress, skirt, or pants instead of a jumpsuit, while men can choose to wear a fitted three-piece suit.
The international airline has also provided a tunic and hijab option for its staff. The new uniform would be used by all 30,000 members of the carrier’s frontline employees by the summer, starting with engineers and ground handlers.
Sean Doyle, British Airways Chairman, and CEO said: “Our uniform is an iconic representation of our brand, something that will carry us into our future, representing the very best of modern Britain and helping us deliver a great British original service for our customers.”
He added, “From the very start this has been about our people. We wanted to create a uniform collection that our people are proud to wear and with the help of over 1,500 colleagues, we are confident that we have delivered this.”
When picking up their new uniform, employees will recycle or donate their old ones. Approximately 90 percent of the material is a fabric blend made from recycled polyester.
“More than 1,500 colleagues across the airline took part in 50 workshops to help ensure the suitability of the garment, from design workshops to prototype feedback and garment trials, helping create an iconic collection that will stand the test of time,” British Airways said.
Boateng took considerable effort in designing a unique line, finding inspiration in the airline and the passengers that use it. The passage of air across an airplane wing provided the idea for the airwave pattern, which can be found on coats, t-shirts, buttons, and ties throughout the entire collection. Every fitted item has a jacquard fabric with a unique version of the airline’s iconic speedmarque.
In November, the UK carrier, in an internal memo, told the staff that all uniformed employees are now permitted to wear mascara, false eyelashes, and earrings and carry accessories including handbags. “Man buns” and nail polish were also allowed for all genders according to the newly updated rules.
