Qantas has been busy ramping up its aircraft fleet renewal programme, and its Project Sunrise plans for ultra-long-haul travel. And now the Australian airline is also embarking on a major uniform redesign. This development will involve a lot less investment and engineering, but is no small matter, as crew uniforms are one of the most visual representations of an airline brand. The current design, created by Martin Grant, has been in service since 2013, with previous designers including Peter Morrissey, Yves Saint Laurent, George Gross and Harry Who, and Emilio Pucci.
The uniform project is in its early stages, but one thing seems certain: the airline is searching for a new Australian designer to take it into the next era. With crew doing long and active hours on duty, uniforms have to look stylish while also being comfortable and durable. Qantas has begun surveying its uniformed workforce of more than 17,500 team members to garner their feedback and suggestions. Qantas will then engage several Australian designers to review the requirements and undertake a selection process for what will become the eleventh uniform in its 105-year history.
“We have ambitious plans for the future, and transforming the way we reflect the brand is critical to that,” said Qantas Group CEO, Vanessa Hudson. “Our uniform represents the Qantas spirit all over the world. With a vast and growing international and domestic network, a historic fleet renewal programme underway and the final frontier of global aviation just around the corner, it’s time to define a new look for our people that reflects where we are heading.”
The next uniform designer will be announced in the coming months, with Qantas planning to debut the new design in 2027.
