British Airways has announced its first change of uniform in almost two decades, with options including a tunic and hijab and jumpsuits for female cabin crew.
The overhaul of the flag carrier’s work attire comes after a painstaking five-year rethink by the British fashion designer Ozwald Boateng.
Every member of BA’s 30,000 frontline staff will be re-clad by the summer, starting with engineers and ground handlers in the spring.
The airline has resisted following rival Virgin Atlantic in offering gender-neutral uniforms or a free choice for all, with male crew getting a tailored three-piece suit with regular and slim-fit style trousers.
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.”
Boateng’s uniform features an airwave pattern used on the jackets, T-shirts, buttons and ties that BA said was inspired by the movement of air over an aircraft wing.
BA’s financial woes during the coronavirus pandemic – which led it to axe thousands of staff – pushed back the timetable for the new look, which the designer started working on in 2018. Boateng shadowed workers in various roles to understand the requirements – with the uniform tested out discreetly on cargo flights and hangars in Manchester and the Cotswolds, and in deluge showers and freezers at -18C to ensure their durability in all extremes.
The trials resulted in modifications such as easy access tool pockets for engineers and touch-screen technology fabric in ground handlers’ gloves.
BA said the uniforms were mostly made from sustainable fabrics including recycled polyester and cotton from manufacturers signed up to the Better Cotton initiative. The old uniforms, designed by Julien MacDonald, will be donated to charity, recycled or displayed in the airline’s museum.
