Airline Bonza ‘throws away rule book’ by launching gender neutral uniforms

A new Australian airline will let staff wear shorts and t-shirts to help non-binary people feel comfortable and so staff can “express their individuality”.

Sunshine-based airline Bonza says its new uniforms will allow staff to wear gender neutral clothing to express their individuality.

Chief commercial officer Carly Povey said the “wear it your way” range includes white custom sneakers, cotton t-shirts and shorts over traditional airline clothing.

It comes after Bonza announced first-time flights from Mildura to the Sunshine Coast in February and made a commitment to stocking 100 per cent Australian food and beverages on-board.

“Our brief was clear. Create a uniform that Bonza legends will wear with pride. We know airline uniforms are the land that time forgot and we wanted to change that,” Ms Povey said.

The uniforms Bonza staff will wear. Picture: Supplied

Bonza made the announcement on Friday.

Ms Povey said there would be no “grooming guide”.

Instead cabin crew, pilots, operation centre and office staff will be able to wear a range of clothes depending on where they’re travelling to, their mood and personalities.

“We won‘t dictate what lipstick to wear – or whether you have to wear lipstick at all. We won’t ask crew to cover up their tattoos and just because you’re female, that doesn’t mean you have to wear a skirt. If you’re non-binary, pregnant, work in the office or on-board, we have options,” she said.

Bonza is expected to take off for the first time later this year with a date yet to be set.