As one airline unveils new designer uniforms, there are major conversations about what this means for the industry. As the first uniform change in almost two decades, this airline has caused much excitement.
British Airways has revealed its new uniforms for 2023. While it has been a process that began in 2018, many are excited to finally learn of the results. The process started with over 1,500 staff members who actively took part in design workshops and garment trials. The trials led to some major changes including easy access tool pockets for engineers and touch-screen technology fabric in ground handlers’ gloves.
The old uniforms by Julian McDonald will be replaced by a line created by Ozwald Boateng, the Savile Row designer and tailor. The new designs include jumpsuits and a tunic and hijab.
New designer uniforms pave the way
The Guardian writes that British Airways staff will be wearing the new uniforms by summer 2023. All frontline staff will receive the newly designed uniforms. The airline confirmed that the roll-out will begin in spring 2023. This will first start with engineers and ground handlers and then will continue with the rest of the crew. Reports also share other details of the new uniform. Boateng’s uniform uses an airwave pattern used on the jackets, T-shirts, buttons and ties. The movement of air over an aircraft wing inspired this design, according to the airline’s comments.
As part of the collection, there is the option of three-piece suits for men and the option for regular or slim-fit trousers. The jumpsuit option is a first for an airline in all of history.
British Airways confirmed that the uniforms were mostly made from sustainable fabrics including recycled polyester and cotton from manufacturers signed up to the Better Cotton initiative. BA staff will donate old uniforms to charity, recycle them or leave them for the airline to display them in the museum.
The airline discreetly tested the uniforms on cargo flights and hangars in Manchester and the Cotswolds. They also tested them in showers and freezers at -18C to ensure their durability in all extremes.
Related: British Airways To Allow Pilots To Wear Uniforms Corresponding To Their Gender Identity
The visuals
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The visuals went live on social media on Friday 6 January. The video shows Boateng sharing his perspective and ideation process while creating the new collection.
Sean Doyle, BA’s chief executive, 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.”
What Boateng had to say:
In a statement, Boateng said that “Designing this uniform was a vast and painstaking undertaking and it went far beyond clothes. It was about creating an energetic shift internally.