British Airways launches new uniform with hijab option

Designed by Ozwald Boateng, updated attire said to promote modernity and sustainability

British Airways has unveiled new uniforms. Female cabin crew will be able to wear jumpsuits in what the company described as 'an airline first', and a tunic and hijab option has been introduced. Photo: British Airways

More than 1,500 British Airways workers gave their input during the design. PA

The airline’s engineers and ground operations agents will be first to wear the new uniform from the spring. PA

It is the first new British Airways uniform in nearly 20 years. PA

The collection was created by British fashion designer and tailor Ozwald Boateng. PA

It was five years in the making and suffered repeated delays, including the coronavirus pandemic. PA

BA said the collection features an airwave pattern inspired by the movement of air over an aircraft wing. PA

British Airways has begun distributing its new uniform, designed by Savile Row fashion designer and tailor Ozwald Boateng, to employees.

The BA uniform has undergone its first major revamp in nearly 20 years.

The collection includes tailored three-piece suits for men and several options for women, including the introduction of a modern jumpsuit – a first for the airline.

There is also a tunic and hijab option.

BA engineers and ground staff will be the first to don the uniforms, after which cabin crew, pilots and check-in agents will follow suit.

Engineers and ground handlers had requested enhancements such as easy-to-access tool pockets and touchscreen technology fabric in gloves, leading to a number of design revisions.

Maintaining the traditional BA colours, the refreshed collection features a blend of navy blue and red. The men's tailored three-piece suits, as well as the women's dress, skirt, trousers and modern jumpsuit, all carry this colour scheme.

BA said the pattern was inspired by the movement of air over a plane’s wing, while the hijab was designed for comfort and convenience while respecting cultural and religious sentiments.

As staff start to wear the new uniform, they will return their Julien MacDonald garments, which will be donated to charity or recycled to create items such as toys and tablet holders. Some pieces will be added to the airline’s museum collection.

British-Ghanaian Boateng, renowned for his innovative designs, spent time shadowing airline employees to understand their requirements.

“Designing this uniform went far beyond clothes,” he said. "It was about creating an energetic shift internally."

More than 1,500 BA staff engaged in the four-year development process, taking part in secret trials.

Sean Doyle, BA chairman and chief executive, stressed that the new design was created to reflect modern Britain and represent a service that their people are proud to wear. He said: “Our uniform is an iconic representation of our brand, something that will carry us into our future.”

Emma Carey, a BA cabin crew member, said: “It was great to see that adjustments were made after our feedback. I can't wait for our customers to see the new collection.”

The new attire has largely been crafted from sustainable fabric, including recycled polyester.

As part of the airline's BA Better World commitment, only manufacturers belonging to the Better Cotton initiative, a sustainability enterprise, were engaged.

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