British Airways tapped renowned British sartorialist and Savile Row tailor Ozwald Boateng for its first uniform revamp in 20 years, introducing a jumpsuit design for female cabin crew in an airline first for an interesting apparel option – overall.
As women will attest, one-piece jumpsuits require complicated manoeuvring in optimal conditions, let alone at 30,000 feet in a restrictive aircraft bathroom.
Mr Boateng shadowed staff in different roles to design the workwear options, developing bespoke fabrics and designs for the collection.
The airwave pattern on jackets, t-shirts, buttons and ties was inspired by air movement over an aircraft wing. The jacquard fabric used for tailored garments features a variation of the airline’s iconic speedmarque.
In development since 2018, more than 1,500 BA staff were involved in the design and testing of the new collection with secret trials in the air and on the ground.
Unlike Virgin Atlantic, which offers gender-neutral uniforms designed by Vivienne Westwood and has relaxed its tattoo policy, BA has not opted to allow staff to mix and match gender-specific uniform items.
Men have the choice of a tailored three-piece suit with regular and slim-fit trousers. While women can wear a dress, skirt or trousers plus a modern jumpsuit, tunic and hijab option.
British Airways Chairman and CEO Sean Doyle said: “Our uniform is an iconic representation of our brand. It represents the very best of modern Britain and helps us deliver a great British original service for our customers.”
“We wanted to create a uniform collection that our people are proud to wear and we are confident that we have delivered this.”
The new uniform collection rolls out to 30,000 frontline employees, starting with engineers and ground handlers in spring 2023. Cabin crew, pilots and check-in agents will swap their threads in the Northern Hemisphere summer.
For more info, head to ba.com
