British Airways has unveiled its first uniform change in two decades for its crew members featuring a tunic and hijab options for Muslim women.
“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,” said chief executive officer of British Airways, Sean Doyle, Arab News reported.
The new uniform, created by Savile Row fashion designer and tailor Ozwald Boateng OBE, replaces the current one designed by Julien MacDonald.
“Designing this uniform was a vast and painstaking undertaking and it went far beyond clothes. It was about creating an energetic shift internally,” Boateng said.
“One of my main objectives was to create something that spoke to, and for, the airline’s colleagues. Something that inspired and empowered them, encouraged them to conduct their roles with pride and most importantly to ensure that they felt seen and heard.
“Although the airline has a strong heritage, it was imperative to support in creating a fresh narrative of change and transcendence, while remaining timeliness,” Boateng added.
All British Airways’ cabin crew, pilots and check-in agents will have a switchover date from their current uniform to the new one in summer 2023.
Islam sees hijab as an obligatory code of dress, not a religious symbol displaying one’s affiliations.
In 2016, Police Scotland declared hijab an optional part of its uniform to encourage more female Muslims to consider policing as a career option.
