Emirates has unveiled a new-look uniform, although this one is just reserved for a small number of ground workers who look after VIPs and First Class transfer passengers at the airline’s hub in Dubai – for now, at least.
The airline’s uniform standards team took the existing uniform, which has been worn by Emirates cabin crew and regular ground workers for the past 15 years, and gave it an update with a few modifications here and there.
The female uniform consists of an A-line skirt or pants and a single-breasted jacket with a belt to cinch in the waist and pops of the airline’s iconic red colorway on the sleeves and collar.
Male staff get a tailored 3-piece suit, along with a pocket square and purple tie. Both male and female uniform suits are cut from a dark beige color – chosen not only to complement the pin-stripe beige uniform of other Emirates employees but also to represent the desert sand dunes of Dubai.
The female uniform is completed with Emirates’ signature red hat and veil that has become an iconic symbol of the airline around the world.
Just 145 ground staff will wear the new uniform at Dubai International Airport, although you might spot them escorting VIPs, including various heads of state or members of Royal Families from around the world, through the airline’s hub.
First Class passengers who have a connection in Dubai are also assisted by the premium and VIP team, getting them through security and into the luxurious confines of an airport lounge as quickly as possible.
Emirates launched the last iteration of its regular cabin crew and ground staff uniform in 2008 to coincide with the introduction of its flagship Airbus A380 superjumbo.
There have long been rumors that Emirates is planning to update the look, although, for now at least, it looks like the airline isn’t willing to roll out its in-house designed new uniform on a wider scale.
Don’t be surprised, however, if the VIP team uniform acts as a test bed for a future and much more significant uniform refresh.
