Airlines

British Airways changes crew uniform for the first time in 20 years

British Airways has unveiled a new uniform for the first time in nearly 20 years
Designed by British, Ghanaian Savile Row fashion designer and tailor Ozwald Boateng, OBE, Boateng spent time shadowing colleagues in their roles at the airline to create the unique collection
More than 1,500 British Airways’ colleagues inputted into the design and testing of the new collection over the last four years, with secret trials in the air and on the ground
Boateng has developed unique bespoke fabrics and designs for the collection, taking inspiration from the airline’s people and the experience of flight

Today, British Airways introduced a new look for its crews as it enters a new chapter. More than 30,000 employees of the airline will start wearing the collection of clothes designed by British fashion designer and tailor Ozwald Boateng OBE in the spring of 2023.

The collection features a tailored three-piece suit for men with regular and slim fit style trousers and dress, skirt and trouser options for women, as well as a modern jumpsuit – which is an airline first. A tunic and hijab option has also been created for the global carrier.

Air India crew look: Colour grey hair; no to crew cut for males, females asked to avoid pearl earrings(Opens in a new browser tab)

Boateng took great care in designing a truly original collection, taking inspiration from the airline, its people of the art of flying. The airwave pattern that features across the entire uniform collection including jackets, t-shirts, buttons and ties was inspired by the movement of air over an aircraft wing. The jacquard fabric across all of the tailored garments features a variation of the airline’s iconic speedmarque.

Sustainability and quality have been front and centre throughout the uniform design process. More than 90% of the garments are produced using sustainable fabric from blends of recycled polyester. As part of British Airways’ BA Better World commitment to work with sustainable suppliers, the airline is only working with manufacturers that are members of the ‘Better Cotton’ initiative, the world’s leading sustainability initiative for cotton, whose mission is to help cotton communities survive and thrive, while protecting and restoring the environment.

United Airlines bars teenage girls in leggings from flight(Opens in a new browser tab)

The airline’s engineers and ground operations agents will be first to wear the new uniform from Spring 2023. All British Airways’ cabin crew, pilots and check-in agents will have a switch over date from their current uniform to the new one in Summer 2023. As they pick up their new items of uniform, they’ll hand in their Julien MacDonald garments, which will be donated to charity or recycled to create toys, tablet holders and more, with a number of items gifted to the airline’s museum.

Related Topics:British Airways cabin crew

Airlines

German Carrier Lufthansa Plans for 20% Job Cuts in Administration

Lufthansa Airlines is reportedly planning significant job cuts in its administrative workforce. According to Manager Magazin, the German carrier intends to reduce administrative positions by 20% as part of its cost-cutting measures amidst an anticipated decline in earnings.

This reduction could impact approximately 400 jobs, the report revealed. While Lufthansa has not directly commented on the layoffs, the airline confirmed its goal of cutting administrative costs by 20% by 2028.

Russian Su-57 Fighter Secures First International Sale at Zhuhai Airshow

The strategy involves leveraging digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation. “A hiring freeze is currently in place for administrative roles at Lufthansa Airlines,” said a company spokesperson.

The staff reduction is expected to occur through natural attrition and age-related turnover, rather than forced layoffs. The internal projection cited by the magazine warns that Lufthansa could face an operating loss of €800 million ($843.92 million) by 2026 if no corrective measures are taken.

Lost Tool Found in Qantas A380 After 34 Flights

The report highlights the challenges companies face in aligning workforce requirements with current and future demands. Failure to adapt could necessitate drastic actions, such as restructuring and layoffs, which carry significant repercussions for both the organization and its employees.

As Lufthansa navigates these challenges, the airline appears committed to balancing cost efficiency with digital transformation to maintain its competitiveness in a rapidly evolving industry.