American Airlines staff are finally in their new uniforms after more than three years of development. The airline announced it would begin testing the uniform in November of 2018 after a previous uniform launched in 2016 caused allergic reactions.[caption id="attachment_72619" align="aligncenter" width="700"] American Airlines staff in their new uniform. Photo: American Airlines[/caption]

A new look

All 50,000 American Airlines staff are now wearing a brand-new uniform. The new look has been designed in collaboration with Lands’ End as well as with union representatives. The classic colors of American Airlines have been maintained across the collection with newly designed accessories including ties and neck scarves.

In a statement on its website, the airline said that,

“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.”

The airline manufactured over 1.7 million pieces of clothing for the launch of its new uniform and offers staff a choice of two fabrics; wool-blend or synthetic. The color of the new uniform is appropriately named Aviation Blue.

The airline also states that all the clothing in the new line is ensured by OEKO-TEX to Standard 100. This independent certification means all materials used, including zippers, buttons, and thread, are tested for hazardous products.

Staff feedback

The new uniform was tested for six months by 1,00 members of a new board called the Frontline Uniform Advisory Team. The airline says the team helped make key decisions regarding fabric choice, color, and style. A statement from Lands’ End said,

“The team members at American have played a pivotal role in the creation of this collection, and it’s been an exciting journey to get us to today.”

American Airlines outlined how staff feedback was used to ensure that staff fully approved of the new look. Staff tested and provided feedback on everything from the weight of shirt collars, the stripes on the blazers, the size and position of pockets as well as making neck scarves machine washable. They seem to have thought of everything.

Problems in the past

The rigorous testing and attention to design is a reaction to the uniform the airline introduced in 2016. Several staff members complained about allergic reactions to the uniform which forced the airline to be more cautious this time around.

And it has good reason. It isn’t the only airline to have had issues with uniforms. Staff at Delta have recently taken out legal action against the airline over their new uniform. As with the previous American uniforms, Delta staff have complained of allergic reactions including rashes, hair loss, headaches, and nausea.

Brady Byrnes, American Airlines Managing Director of Flight Service Base Operations, said that the new uniform was designed with “the highest levels of safety, input, and choice”. He also said the airline was “excited to turn the page” on the issue of the past.

New uniforms all round

It seems as if the new decade is the time for a new look. Delta and American aren’t the only airlines launching new uniforms this year. Aer Lingus has recently released its first new uniform for twenty years. Japan Airlines is also set to launch a new uniform this year with both airlines now allowing female cabin crew to wear trousers. The American Airlines uniform also allows female staff to wear trousers. It also includes options for maternity wear.

We think the new uniform looks great. Hopefully, all the testing and feedback will ensure American Airlines avoids the same issues that Delta is having. But what do you think of the new uniform from American Airlines? Do you love it as much as we do?