Currently, close to 4,500 cabin crew and airport staff wear Dame Trelise Cooper designed garments. The airline will next month invite a selection of local designers, including Dame Trelise, to submit proposals for the new uniform.
Air New Zealand General Manager Global Brand and Content Marketing Jodi Williams says the airline’s customer-facing uniforms are among the most recognisable in aviation and a very visual representation of New Zealand on the world stage.
“The successful design will capture the New Zealand spirit and Air New Zealand brand and be something our people feel proud to wear. At the same time the uniform will need to be practical and meet the needs of thousands of individuals working in diverse roles and environments all over the world,” says Ms Williams.
“Dame Trelise’s current uniform is loved by our staff and we are committed to ensuring the next one meets the same high standard.”
The new uniform, which is expected to roll out in 2021 will mark an exciting new phase for the Air New Zealand brand, preceding the arrival of the airline’s new long-haul aircraft fleet and new onboard product around 2023.
Ms Williams says the iconic pink, green or blue uniforms currently worn by staff have stood Air New Zealand apart since their launch in 2011 turning heads in airports around the world, but it’s important to remain fresh and keep looking to the future.
“We see this as an exciting opportunity to take a step back and really consider where our business is heading and what our uniform might look like in the future. For example, will exclusively male or female uniforms always be relevant?
“We are currently undertaking significant research with our people along with a leading global cultural insights agency, which reflects that fact that we operate to 55 destinations around the world.”
Air New Zealand will confirm the successful designer or designers early next year, with final concepts to be completed in 2019. Previous designers have included Christian Dior (1961), Nina Ricci (1976), Barbara Lee (1992), and Zambesi (2005).
Air New Zealand will be contacting designers directly in early October to invite them to take part in the submission process. Along with submitting designs they will be required to meet other criteria such as sustainable sourcing credentials and a proven track record in the New Zealand fashion industry.
A review of the Air New Zealand pilot uniform will commence after the cabin crew and ground staff uniform process is completed.
