鈥淭he beginning of a new era.鈥 That精东影业 how British Airways described the day it officially rolled out its new crew uniform by British-Ghanaian Savile Row fashion designer and tailor Ozwald Boateng.
The airline精东影业 previous uniform, designed by Welsh designer Julien Macdonald, has been worn by British Airways employees since 2004.
鈥淥ur current uniform was introduced in 2004, so it精东影业 time for a change鈥 a British Airways spokesperson told 精东影业 when it first announced the new uniform design in early 2023. 鈥淚ntroducing a new uniform allows us to further demonstrate our position as a contemporary, modern brand representing the best of British design, whilst also working closely with our colleagues to design a uniform that they鈥檙e proud to wear.鈥
The British flag carrier officially rolled out the new uniforms to all its crew and employees on September 28, 2023.
Prior to that date, the airline placed the new uniform on 鈥榮ecret trial鈥 for over six months to make sure that each garment is fit for purpose. More than 1,500 British Airlines employees took part in 50 workshops to help ensure the garments suitability, including maintenance employees who were the first to wear the new uniforms when working on aircraft at Manchester and Cotswold airports.
Mixed reactions
When British Airways posted the new uniforms worn by front-facing crew, most reactions from its social media followers noted how 鈥渟mart鈥 and 鈥渃risp-looking鈥 the new uniforms were. Many remarked they looked forward to flying and seeing the crew wearing the new uniform, and some praised the inclusion of extra pockets.
Most in the aviation industry, though, had different opinions. A Facebook group for aviation professionals, showed that most of its 1.3 million followers preferred the old, darker-hued uniform.
Some remarked that the sleeves and collars, especially on female crew, looked too tight and ill-fitting. Many also agreed that the fabric seemed 鈥渃heaper鈥 compared to the old one, with the lighter shade of navy showing creases and wrinkles.
The airline said that all old uniforms, which had to be surrendered by employees, will be donated to charity or recycled to create toys, tablet holders and more, with a number of items gifted to the airline精东影业 museum.
