British Airways unveils brand new uniforms by designer Ozwald Boateng for the first time in nearly 20 years – and the range includes an ‘Airline First’ jumpsuit for female cabin crew

British Airways has unveiled a new uniform for the first time in nearly 20 years, with the clothing collection set to “take the airline to its next chapter”.

In recent months, the airline’s crew have put the uniform to the test in secret air and ground trials.

Designed by British fashion designer and tailor Ozwald Boateng OBE, the uniform will be launched in the spring and will feature a “modern coverall” for female cabin crew, described as an “airline first”.

The collection also includes dress, skirt and trouser options for women and a tailored three-piece suit for men with both regular and slim trousers. A tunic and hijab option has also been created for the wearer.

The uniform collection includes a “modern coverall” (above) for female cabin crew, called “Airline First”.

According to British Airways, Boateng took great care to create “a truly original collection, inspired by the airline and its aviation people”.

The airwave pattern found throughout the uniform collection, including jackets, t-shirts, buttons and ties, is inspired by the movement of air over an aircraft wing, while the jacquard fabric in all tailored garments is a variation of the airline’s iconic speed mark contains . .

Boateng has been developing the collection since 2018 with “precise care”, reveals the airline. He reportedly attended a number of airport events to understand how the uniform had to work for each task and ensure a “modern, British, stylish look” using high-quality, easy-care, swiss material.

More than 1,500 airline crew members attended 50 workshops to ensure clothing fit, from design workshops to feedback on prototypes and garment trials. According to British Airways, these workshops helped create “an iconic collection that will stand the test of time”.

During the clandestine trials, cabin and flight crew uniforms were put to the test on cargo flights across Europe, with engineers secretly wearing the new uniforms while planes were kept out of sight at Manchester and Cotswold airports.

There are dress, skirt and trouser options for women, as well as a “modern” jumpsuit that is the first to be announced by an airline

Found throughout the uniform collection, including jackets, t-shirts, buttons and ties, the airwave pattern is inspired by the movement of air over an airplane wing

To ensure that each piece of clothing serves its purpose, the airline has been secretly testing the uniform for six months

Many of the outdoor clothing items have also been tested in showers and freezers at minus 18 degrees Celsius to ensure they are water repellent, durable and suitable for extreme weather conditions.

During testing, the crew provided feedback on the suitability of the garments, which led to adjustments prior to the unified deployment.

For example, British Airways says engineers have asked for easy-access tool pouches to work on planes, while ground handlers have asked for material with touchscreen technology in their gloves so they can use their devices in cold climates without taking them off. .

Sustainability and quality were at the heart of the consistent design process, the airline reveals, adding that more than 90 percent of the garments are made from sustainable fabrics made from recycled polyester blends.

As part of British Airways’ BA Better World commitment to partnering with sustainable suppliers, the airline only works with manufacturers who are members of the Better Cotton Initiative, the world’s leading cotton sustainability initiative whose mission is to empower cotton communities to help them to survive and thrive while protecting and restoring the environment.

The airline’s engineers and agents on the ground will be the first to wear the new uniform from spring. All British Airways cabin crew, pilots and check-in staff will be given a transition date from their current uniform to the new one in summer 2023.

Savile Row tailor Ozwald Boateng (pictured) has been appointed to design the new BA uniforms

Many of the outdoor clothing items have also been tested in showers and freezers at minus 18 degrees Celsius to ensure they are water repellent, durable and suitable for extreme weather conditions. The airline’s engineers and agents on the ground will be the first to wear the new uniform from spring

The former British Airways uniform (above) was designed by Julien MacDonald

When they pick up their new uniforms, they hand in their old Julien MacDonald clothes, which are donated to charity or recycled into toys, tablet cases and more, with some items donated to the airline’s museum.

British Airways cabin crew Emma Carey, one of the colleagues who carried out clandestine testing of the uniform, said: “It was a real honor and responsibility to help test the new uniform and test it at 35,000ft . Make sure it serves its purpose with thousands of my colleagues relying on me. It was nice to see adjustments being made based on our feedback. For example, the pockets on the platform were enlarged after the test to give us more space for everything we needed for the meal service on board. I can’t wait for our customers to see the new collection.”

Boateng said: “Designing this uniform was a huge and arduous undertaking that went far beyond clothing. It was about bringing about an energetic shift internally. One of my main goals was to create something that spoke to fellow airlines. Something that inspired and empowered them, encouraged them to be proud of their role and above all made sure they felt seen and heard. While the airline has a strong heritage, it was essential to support the creation of a new story of change and transcendence while keeping it fresh.”

Sean Doyle, chairman and chief executive of British Airways said: “Our uniform is an iconic representation of our brand, something we will take into our future, representing the best of modern Britain and helping us create a great, delivering true British service to our customers..

“From the beginning it was about our people. We wanted to create a cohesive collection that our employees would be proud to wear, and we’re confident we’ve succeeded with the help of over 1,500 colleagues.”