American Airlines has released a first look image of its brand new flight attendant and customer service uniform which is set to be rolled out from next year into 2020. The redesigned uniform is set to replace a design which has reportedly caused adverse reactions, including hives, rashes and breathing difficulties, in over 4,500 flight attendants.
The new look is more of a design update rather than a complete overhaul – American has taken the opportunity to introduce a few design updates but the key change is the airline’s choice of material and manufacturer.
In January, American Airlines announced its plan to ditch incumbent uniform provider, Twin Hill which is a unit of Men’s Warehouse in favor of Land’s End who have already successfully produced uniforms for the likes of Delta Air Lines and Alaska.
The redesigned uniforms are apparently to be produced in a shade of blue called Parisian Blue. Cobalt colored detailing on the cuffs has been swapped out for a deep shade of red, while neck scarfs will now feature a plaid design.
Other accessories, such as the men’s necktie and pocket square are apparently blue with red stripes – although you wouldn’t be wrong if you thought they resembled Delta’s ‘Passport Plum’ color.
American Airlines launched its current uniform in September 2016 – the first update in around 25 years – but it didn’t take long before flight attendants and other staffers started to report adverse reactions to the garments. A major flight attendant union and the airline carried out chemical testing on the uniforms but despite the costs (it’s alleged to have cost American over $1.2 million) the results were inconclusive.
Nonetheless, American eventually agreed to replace the uniform, although the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) threatened to sue the airline over how long it would take to roll out the new threads.
