Air New Zealand unveils results of two year ‘passion project’ with new cabin crew uniform

The Kiwi carrier has unveiled its first redesign in 14 years as Qantas continues the hunt for a designer for its new uniforms.

Air New Zealand is the latest airline to unveil a new look for cabin crew as Qantas continues to search for a suitable designer for its own uniform makeover.

After 14 years of a vivid purple uniform featuring Air New Zealand’s logo and a silver fern, the Kiwi carrier has revealed the results of designer Emilia Wickstead’s “passion project”, incorporating handpainted prints by celebrated Maori tattoo artist Te Rangitu Netana.

Made from recycled polyester, organic cotton and merino wool, the garments include a dress, shirt, trench and “ie faitaga” — a skirt-like garment traditionally worn by Pacific Island men.

To adorn 6000 Air New Zealand crew around the world, CEO Greg Foran said the uniform represented the best of the airline and New Zealand.

“New Zealand has never been about standing still or blending in. As an airline, we are all about being bold, celebrating what makes us unique, and celebrating our team members,” said Mr Foran.

“This new uniform encapsulates everything we stand for — a combination of innovation, rich

cultural heritage, and a sense of pride and belonging.”

Air New Zealand’s new look for cabin crew.

The current Air New Zealand uniform.

Ms Wickstead said she had always dreamt of designing a uniform for the national carrier, and it had proven to be an “incredibly personal project” for her.

“It was essential to me that this uniform tells a meaningful story about Aotearoa. I wanted to create a uniform that empowers individuals and inspires pride in all who wear it and see it,” she said.

“For me, good design should always evoke a sense of pride and occasion, and I believe

this uniform will do just that.”

Mr Netana said the prints he developed for the garments were a “reflection of the land, the sea and the connections that bind us all as Kiwi”.

“As a Māori artist on the world stage, I feel a deep responsibility in ensuring our culture is represented in a way that is authentic and meaningful,” he said.

“I’m proud that these designs have found a place in Air New Zealand’s uniform.”

The new look will undergo an “on-board wearer trial” from May before being rolled out across Air New Zealand’s network next year.

Te Rangitu Netana’s hand drawn prints feature on several garments.

It’s expected to provide a boost to the airline’s crew after a difficult few years marked by the extended Covid disruption followed by multiple aircraft groundings due to engine issues.

British Airways and Jetstar have also updated their cabin crew uniforms in recent years, and Emirates last year gave its premium passenger services team a new look.

Qantas has also announced plans to update its current Martin Grant-design launched in 2013, with the intention of rolling out a brand new uniform ahead of groundbreaking Project Sunrise flights in 2027.

The move has already ruffled feathers among the design community, with Peter Morrissey taking to social media to express his disappointment he was unable to submit a proposal.

Mr Morrissey designed the Qantas uniform used from 2003 to 2013 and was informed the airline was seeking a new Australian designer for the next look.

Originally published as Air New Zealand unveils results of two year ‘passion project’ with new cabin crew uniform