Airlines

Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air unveils cabin crew uniforms

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new world-class airline wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has unveiled its first-ever fashion collection in collaboration with renowned Saudi fashion designer Ashi, founder of the Parisian couture house ASHI Studio.

The debut took place during Haute Couture Week in Paris, showcasing Riyadh Air’s new lifestyle collection for its frontline team members.

The exclusive fashion line includes dozens of looks for both men and women, with 15 designs revealed at the prestigious fashion event. The luxurious Riyadh Air concepts presented in Paris feature timeless cashmere outerwear, dresses, and trousers made from fine wools, custom leather footwear, amethyst earrings, and iconic pillbox hats.

Saudi fashion designer has taken inspiration from the 1950s

The collection draws inspiration from 1950s airline fashion, widely regarded as the ‘golden age’ of aviation, while incorporating bold, modern styling for a future-forward brand.

For the new fashion line, Ashi has cultivated completely new color tones for the looks,
including the chic and elegant Electric Amethyst for womenswear, and Dark Amethyst for
menswear, of which the full collection is scheduled for launch early next year.

The unique amethyst shades pay homage to Saudi Arabia’s stunning lavender fields and are rooted within Riyadh Air’s primary color. The Saudi fashion designer took inspiration from the
Riyadh Air aircraft livery to deliver completely bespoke colors for the new timeless
collection. They were also carefully designed to complement the cabin interiors which will
be revealed later this year.

Ten womenswear looks were showcased on the Paris runway, each of which were
complemented by accessories such as trademark shoes and hats. Five menswear looks
were also unveiled during the first-of-its-kind Haute Couture Week showcase.

Riyadh Air will take its first flight in mid-2025

The fashion collection, to be worn by Riyadh Air cabin crew, pilots, concierges, and airport
agents, can be changed seasonally, keeping the looks fresh all year round.

Riyadh Air is on track to make its maiden flight in 2025, revolutionizing the future of air
travel through a premium aviation experience for both guests and team members. With
an unwavering dedication to cutting-edge thinking and innovation, Riyadh Air aims to set
new standards in the industry.

Airlines

SAS Relaxes Dress Code: Flight Crew Can Wear Sneakers and Show Tattoos

In a bold move to modernize its image and foster inclusivity, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has announced a significant update to its uniform policy.

SAS allows flight attendants to have visible tattoos

Effective immediately, the airline’s flight attendants and front-facing employees are now permitted to display visible tattoos and wear sneakers while on duty. This decision positions SAS among a progressive group of airlines that are reevaluating and relaxing their long-standing grooming and dress code standards.

Starting today, our team members can proudly display their tattoos and wear sneakers while in uniform! This change is a part of our commitment to a modern, inclusive, and welcoming environment. 🧑‍✈️ #flysas pic.twitter.com/eGvTAJ9Lsm— SAS – Scandinavian Airlines (@SAS) July 1, 2024

The announcement was made on Monday, marking a departure from decades-old policies that enforced a strict and uniform appearance among crew members. This shift is part of SAS’s broader commitment to creating a more modern, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

The airline aims to reflect a diverse and contemporary workforce, thereby enhancing its appeal both to current employees and potential recruits. SAS’s new policy reflects a growing trend within the aviation industry, as airlines recognize the importance of individuality and personal expression among their employees.

Virgin Atlantic, Alaska Airlines, and Air Canada have also adopted

By allowing visible tattoos and sneakers, SAS joins the ranks of Virgin Atlantic, Alaska Airlines, and Air Canada, all of which have already made similar changes. This shift is seen as a strategic move to attract and retain talent in an increasingly competitive job market.

The decision to relax uniform policies is not without limitations. While SAS is embracing a more casual and expressive dress code, certain guidelines remain in place to ensure a professional appearance. Sneakers must be of an appropriate color that complements the uniform, and tattoos must not be offensive or inappropriate.

These boundaries help balance personal expression with the need to maintain a cohesive and professional brand image. For decades, flight attendants around the world have had to conform to rigid dress codes that restricted visible tattoos and mandated specific footwear.