British Airways has unveiled a new uniform for the first time in nearly 20 years
Created by British fashion designer and tailor Ozwald Boateng OBE, the new uniforms will be worn by more than 30,000 of the airline’s colleagues.
The collection features a tailored three-piece suit for men with regular and slim fit style trousers and dress, skirt and trouser options for women, as well as a modern jumpsuit – which is an airline first.
A tunic and hijab option has also been created for the global carrier.
The airline said in a statement that Boateng took great care in designing a truly original collection, “taking inspiration from the airline, its people of the art of flying.”
An airwave pattern is featured across the entire uniform collection including jackets, t-shirts, buttons and ties.
The jacquard fabric across all of the tailored garments features a variation of the airline’s iconic speedmarque.
According to British Airways, Boateng has been developing the collection since 2018.
The airline also confirmed that more than 1,500 colleagues across the airline took part in 50 workshops to help ensure the garment’s suitability.
This includes design workshops to prototype feedback and garment trials, helping create an iconic collection that will “stand the test of time”.
The new uniforms have been put to the test over the last six months in secret trials by cabin and flight crew as well as engineers in Manchester and Cotswold Airports.
Outdoor garments have also been tested in deluge showers and freezers at -18 degrees Celsius to ensure they’re water-resistant, durable and fit for extreme weather conditions.
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.
“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.”
The airline’s engineers and ground operations agents will be the first to wear the new uniform from Spring 2023.
All cabin crew, pilots and check-in agents will switch from their current uniform to the new one in Summer 2023.
The current Julien MacDonald garments will be donated to charity or recycled to create toys, tablet holders and more, with a number of items gifted to the airline’s museum.
For more information, visit britishairways.com.
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