- British Airways reveals new uniform collection designed by Ozwald Boateng OBE, developed with input from over 1,500 colleagues.
- The collection features a variety of options for men and women, including tailored suits, dresses, skirts, trousers, jumpsuits, tunics and hijabs.
- Over 90% of the garments are made using sustainable fabric from recycled polyester blends; responsibly sourced cotton is used in accordance with the ‘Better Cotton’ initiative.
- Rollout set for Spring and Summer 2023; current uniforms will be donated or repurposed into toys and other items.
- The new uniforms mark a new era for British Airways that combines style, elegance and sustainability.
British Airways, one of the world’s most iconic airlines, is set to embark on a new era with a fresh and stylish look for its employees including b, pilots, and other airline operations staff. The airline has unveiled its first new uniform design in nearly two decades, created by none other than renowned British-Ghanaian fashion designer Ozwald Boateng OBE. The uniforms will be worn by over 30,000 employees, ushering in a new chapter of style and elegance for the airline.
Contents
- Collaborative Design Process: Over 1,500 Colleagues Involved
- Fashion Meets Function: A Collection for All Roles
- Sustainability Takes Center Stage: Eco-Friendly Fabrics and Manufacturing
- Rollout Set for Spring and Summer 2023: A Staggered Launch
- Out with the Old, In with the New: Responsible Disposal of Current Uniforms
- A Future of Style and Sustainability for British Airways
- Video: British Airways New Uniform
Collaborative Design Process: Over 1,500 Colleagues Involved
The development of the new uniforms was a highly collaborative process, involving input from over 1,500 British Airways colleagues. Their insights and expertise were invaluable in ensuring that the uniforms would not only be fashionable but also practical and comfortable for the various roles within the airline.
Over the last six months, secret trials were conducted both on the ground and in the air, allowing employees to test the uniforms in real-world situations. This provided an opportunity for colleagues to give feedback on the designs and allowed for any necessary adjustments to be made before the final rollout.

Fashion Meets Function: A Collection for All Roles
The new collection features a variety of options for both men and women, catering to the diverse roles within the airline. Men can expect tailored three-piece suits, while women have several choices, including dresses, skirts, trousers, and even a contemporary jumpsuit. Tunic and hijab options have also been thoughtfully designed, ensuring that all employees feel comfortable and included in the new uniform range.
Boateng’s designs incorporate bespoke fabrics, with an airwave pattern inspired by the movement of air over an aircraft wing and jacquard fabric reflecting the airline’s speedmarque. The designer sought to create a sense of cohesion across the various roles, while still allowing for individuality and personal style.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage: Eco-Friendly Fabrics and Manufacturing
Sustainability was a key consideration throughout the design process, and British Airways has taken significant steps to ensure that the new uniforms are as eco-friendly as possible. Over 90% of the garments are made using sustainable fabric from recycled polyester blends, reducing the environmental impact of the new collection.
In addition to using eco-friendly materials, the airline is working exclusively with manufacturers who are members of the ‘Better Cotton’ initiative. This ensures that the cotton used in the uniforms is sourced responsibly and produced in an environmentally friendly manner.


Rollout Set for Spring and Summer 2023: A Staggered Launch
The rollout of the new uniforms will be staggered, with different groups of employees receiving their new outfits at different times. Engineers and ground operations agents will be the first to sport the new uniforms in Spring 2023, while cabin crew, pilots, and check-in agents will follow suit in Summer 2023.
This phased approach allows British Airways to ensure a smooth transition to the new uniforms and gives the airline time to make any necessary adjustments based on employee feedback.
Out with the Old, In with the New: Responsible Disposal of Current Uniforms
As the new uniforms make their debut, British Airways is committed to ensuring that the current uniforms, designed by Julien MacDonald, do not go to waste. The airline plans to donate the old uniforms to charity or repurpose them into toys and other items, minimizing the environmental impact of the changeover and giving the old uniforms a new lease on life.


A Future of Style and Sustainability for British Airways
The introduction of the new uniforms by Ozwald Boateng OBE signals a new era for British Airways, one that combines style, elegance, and sustainability. With the input of over 1,500 colleagues and a commitment to eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes, the airline has created a uniform collection that is both fashionable and responsible.
As British Airways employees don their new uniforms in 2023 onwards, they will not only look stylish but also embody the airline’s commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. The new uniforms represent a significant milestone for the airline and are sure to become an iconic part of British Airways’ visual identity in the years to come.
Video: British Airways New Uniform
Check out this video as uploaded on the official YouTube Channel of British Airways featuring the new uniform for their employees!
In conclusion, the unveiling of British Airways’ new uniforms by celebrated designer Ozwald Boateng OBE marks the beginning of a new chapter for the airline. The collaborative design process, which involved input from over 1,500 colleagues, has resulted in a collection that is both stylish and functional, catering to the diverse roles within the airline. The focus on sustainability, through the use of eco-friendly fabrics and responsible manufacturing processes, demonstrates the airline’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact. With the rollout set for Spring and Summer 2023, British Airways employees can look forward to a future of style and sustainability as they don their new uniforms.