Qantas pilots get new threads

Pre 1930s, when aircraft cockpits weren’t enclosed, pilots donned heavy overalls, helmets and goggles.

Fast-forward almost 100 years, and my, how the uniforms have changed!

For the latest walk down the runway, Aussie fashion designer Martin Grant is gifting Qantas pilots on all domestic and international flights with a fresh new look for flying – the first new uniform in more than a decade.

“It’s important that our crew feel proud to wear the Qantas uniform around the world, every day,” Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said.

“Every Qantas uniform over the past 95 years reflects its times and we’re excited to work with Martin on a new design that reflects modern Australian style as well as the positive things happening at Qantas.”

“A key part of the design process will be asking our pilots what they would like to see in the new design. With an increase in the number of female pilots in the Qantas ranks, the design of the female uniform will also be a focus.”

Grant also said it was important to use pilot feedback to move the uniforms in a contemporary direction.

“The reputation of Qantas pilots speaks for itself, so it’s a real honour to be asked to work with them to create their new uniform. I want it to be comfortable, stylish and most of all, distinguished,” Grant said.

And from the pilot’s point of view, Qantas’ chief pilot Captain Richard Tobiano said that while we don’t see pilots in their ‘office’, they still pride themselves on their uniforms.

“The current uniform has served us well but after wearing the same thing every day for more than 10 years, we’re ready for a change.”

Over the next few weeks Grant will host focus groups with representatives from the pilot community to get their feedback on what they would like to wear in terms of design, practicalities and comfort.

He will also travel across the airline’s domestic and international network for inspiration and join Qantas pilots in a flight simulator to understand the dynamics of the pilots’ working environment.

Qantas aims to have its pilot community wearing a newly designed uniform during 2016.