American Airlines has unveiled new uniforms for its flight attendants and customer service agents.
The result of over three years of collaboration with “frontline team members and union representatives”, the uniforms have been manufactured by US clothing retailer Lands’ End.
Over 50,000 flight attendants, customer service agents and premium guest services team members will get the new uniforms, which feature a new Aviation Blue suiting colour.
AA says it is the first and only airline to ensure “STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX certification on every garment across all of its uniform collections” – an independent testing and certification system for clothing, accessories and any product made with fabric.
Frontline staff tested the collection for six months before the uniforms went into production, and employees were asked to vote on selected designs, as well as being surveyed to provide feedback.
The carrier said that for the first time it is offering a choice of suiting fabric to team members – either a wool-blend or synthetic suiting fabrication. Over 1.7 million pieces have been manufactured for the new uniform rollout.
Commenting on the news Brady Byrnes, American’s managing director of flight service base operations, said:
“When we set out to create our new uniform collection, the clear goal was to deliver an industry-leading program with the highest levels of safety, input and choice.
“Today’s launch is the culmination of years’ worth of input from team members, wear testing in the operation and the highest levels of garment certification.
“None of this would be possible without the partnership of our union representatives, and, most importantly, the thousands of team members who provided input and feedback along the way.
“This isn’t just a uniform for our team members, it’s one that was created by them, and we are excited to turn the page.”
Rival US carrier United Airlines is also set to unveil new uniforms for 70,000 frontline staff this year, designed by Brooks Brothers, Tracy Reese and Carhartt.
United partners with Brooks Brothers, Tracy Reese and Carhartt for new uniforms
