UK Airways Unveils New Uniform Includes Hijab, Jumpsuit

For the first time in nearly 20 years, UK Airways has unveiled a new uniform. Female cabin crew will be able to wear tuxedos, which the company describes as an "airline first." 

The airline has also included an option for a headscarf and jacket for cabin crew, according to a press release from the company.

The overhaul of the flag carrier's work attire is the result of a five-year project by British fashion designer Ozwald Boateng. It has been delayed for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Men have the option of wearing a tailored three-piece suit, while women can wear a dress, skirt, or trousers instead of a jumpsuit.

A tunic and hijab option was also created by the global carrier for its crew. By summer, every one of the 30,000 frontline crew members will be seen wearing new uniforms, starting with the engineers and ground handlers.

"Our uniform is an iconic representation of our brand, something that will carry us into our future, representing the very best of modern Britain and helping us deliver a great British original service for our customers." He added, "From the very start this has been about our people. We wanted to create a uniform collection that our people are proud to wear and with the help of over 1,500 colleagues, we are confident that we have delivered this," Sean Doyle, British Airways Chairman and CEO, said.

Boateng took great care in creating a unique collection, drawing inspiration from the airline and its people travelling on the same flight.

The airwave pattern, which appears on jackets, shirts, cardigans, and ties throughout the collection, is inspired by the movement of air over an airplane wing. 

All tailored garments feature a jacquard weave with a variation of the airline's famous Speedmarque.

In November, the British carrier, in an internal memo, told staff that all uniformed staff employees were now allowed to wear mascara, false eyelashes, and earrings and carry accessories including handbags. 

"Man buns" and nail polish were also allowed for all genders under the newly updated rules.