Qantas: pilots kitted out in designer attire

WORLD-RENOWNED Australian fashion designer, Martin Grant, will create a new, modern and relevant uniform for Qantas’ pilots. This is his vision.

WORLD-RENOWNED Australian fashion designer, Martin Grant, will create a new, modern and relevant uniform for Qantas’ pilots.

Just two years after he designed what is a popular new image and wardrobe for the airline’s cabin crew and ground staff, the Australian born, Paris-based designer will extend his sartorial flare to the most important people on a plane - pilots.

This was the last uniform redesign.

“I am currently travelling across the Qantas domestic and international network so I can get a real sense of what pilots need, as that is utmost in my mind,” Mr Grant told news.com.au.

‘The comfort factor and wearability factor is absolutely paramount.”

Martin certainly has an internationally renowned fan base with names like Cate Blanchett, Eva Longoria, Emma Stone, Lee Radziwell and Cameron Diaz just some of the high profile and stylish names who wear his designs. Now he will be able to add 2500 domestic and international pilots to his fan base.

With Qantas having just enforced a new policy in its lounges, that sees patrons adhering to a “smartly-dressed” dress code, this new design initiative fits into the airline opting for a stylish approach to flying.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said that a new uniform for the airline’s 2500 pilots comes at a time of aviation renewal.

“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,” said Mr Joyce in a statement.

“It’s important that our crew feel proud to wear the Qantas uniform around the world, every day. They represent the national carrier so we want them to feel confident and comfortable sitting in the flight deck, standing in the cabin or walking through an airport.

“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,” added Mr Joyce.

Grant wants the new Qantas uniform to be “distinguished”

Mr Grant was joined by Australia’s top magazine editors as well as leading travel and style commentators at the announcement of his new task, appropriately hosted on the final day of Australian fashion week.

“I still get incredibly excited to walk onto the plane and see the results of what we designed two years ago,” added Mr Grant.

Mr Grant’s fashion signature is incredibly understated, sleek and elegant and that same ethos will follow through with the new pilot uniforms.

“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,” added Mr Grant.

“I want it to be comfortable, stylish and most of all, distinguished,” said Martin.

“Early feedback from Qantas pilots is that they want to retain the traditional image but give it a modern makeover to be more elegant and more wearable. The female pilots are also hoping for a more feminine line so I will have that front of mind when I begin the design stage,” he added.

As for what the men and women on the pilot frontline think, Qantas Chief Pilot Captain Richard Tobiano said comfort in their “office” is key.

“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,” said Mr Tobiano.

“Given we spend up to 16 hours at a time on an aircraft, there’s a big focus on comfort and durability as well as reflecting our professionalism.”