Air New Zealand is getting a glow-up for its crew wardrobe and plane livery as the carrier searches for a new uniform designer and says “ta-ta” to the last of its aircraft in teal blue.
Air New Zealand is officially changing its crew uniform with a call out to all Kiwi designers to submit their interest by 14 May 2023.
The new design will represent Aotearoa in the air and on the world stage with sustainability, functionality, safety and comfort as core considerations to ensure the perfect fit for years to come.
The project will see updates for pilots, flight attendants and ground staff, who will provide wearer feedback throughout the process.
The chosen New Zealand designer will be announced later this year with fresh looks rolled out in 2025.
Air New Zealand uniforms have evolved since the first 1950s designs by Australian retailer David Jones followed by Dior in the 1960s. Dame Trelise Cooper designed the current look, which launched in 2011.
Air New Zealand Chief Customer & Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty said the airline is updating the uniform and its grooming standards to align with its future vision.
“After 12 years with our current designs, it’s time to revisit and refresh our uniforms to ensure they continue to be a perfect fit for our people and align with our recently announced future cabin experience,” Ms Geraghty said.
“Alongside our Koru, the Air New Zealand uniform is often the first visual representation of New Zealand people travelling to our country see and something that drives immense pride for our people and New Zealanders.
“It’s important that we continue to ensure our uniform accurately reflects our business, our people and our country.”
Air New Zealand Chief Sustainability Officer Kiri Hannifin said updating the uniform also allows the airline to review the sustainability of its workplace wardrobe and end-of-life solutions for its existing uniform to minimise landfill waste.
Aircraft refresh
The eight remaining Air New Zealand Q300 aircraft in teal blue livery will also undergo a refresh to the iconic black-and-white look.
These aircraft are the last in the entire fleet with the teal Pacific Wave livery, added in the early 2000s.
The teal livery and colour were a nod to the airline’s 80-plus years of history, starting with the creation of Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL), which is now Air New Zealand.
The eight newly painted aircraft are due for service by July 2023.
Read our recent review of Air New Zealand’s Brisbane-Auckland economy service here.
For more info, head to airnewzealand.co.nz
