For the first time in nearly 20 years, British Airways on Friday unveiled a new uniform. As it allowed its staff and cabin crew members to wear Hijab and tunic, as well as a jumpsuit in what the company described as an ‘airline first’.
The overhaul of the flag carrier’s work attire is the result of a five-year-long project by British fashion designer Ozwald Boateng. It was delayed by two years because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Men have an option of wearing a tailored three-piece suit, while women can wear a dress, skirt, or trousers instead of a jumpsuit. A tunic and hijab option has also been created by the global carrier for its crew.
By summer, every member of the carrier’s 30,000 frontline staff would be seen in the new uniform, beginning 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.
