Qantas has announced a major redesign of its crew’s uniform for the first time in more than 10 years.
The national carrier is set to overhaul the brand’s signature navy, red and fuchsia uniforms that have been a staple for staff since 2013.
The airline’s CEO Vanessa Hudson said it was time to redefine Qantas’ brand but the new look isn’t expected to be debuted until 2027.
‘We have ambitious plans for the future and transforming the way we reflect the brand is critical to that,’ Ms Hudson said.
‘Our uniform represents the Qantas spirit all over the world.
‘With a vast and growing international and domestic network, a historic fleet renewal program underway and the final frontier of global aviation just around the corner it’s time to define a new look for our people that reflects where we are heading.’
Ms Hudson said Qantas’ staff would be put at the core of the redesign process, which will start with the airline surveying the opinions of its 17,500-strong workforce.
She thanked designer Martin Grant, who created the airline’s current uniform in 2013, for his work and partnership.
Qantas announced it would overhaul the brands signature navy, red and fuchsia colour themed uniforms for the first time in more than 10 years
Previous designers include Peter Morrissey, Yves Saint Laurent, George Gross and Harry Who and Emilio Pucci, who created iconic uniforms reflecting key moments in the Flying Kangaroo’s 105-year history.
Ms Hudson explained Qantas would engage an Australian designer to create the eleventh uniform in the airline’s history.
It’s understood Qantas will announce the next designer for the new uniform in the coming months once it has surveyed its workforce.
Qantas plans to debut the new design in 2027, with the new look forming part of the airline’s major fleet investments.
The national carrier’s historic renewal program will see more than 100 aircrafts added to its fleet over the next decade.
The airline’s ‘Project Sunrise’ – dubbed as the final frontier of aviation – will be launched in mid-2026 with the newly ordered A350-1000.
The new uniforms come after a tumultuous year for the embattled airline, with Qantas recording a 28 per cent fall in post-tax profit to $1.25billion in the 2024 financial year.
The decline in profits was largely due to the moderation of fares, increased spending on customer initiatives and reduced freight revenue.
The redesign will be the eleventh uniform in the Flying Kangaroo’s 105-year history (pictured, Qantas’ 1974 uniform designed by Emilio Pucci)
The airline has focused on winning back its customers to boost its profits with passenger promotions and inflight services after a year of headlines over safety rating, legal battles and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s free perks.
In December, Qantas was forced to pay $120million to 1,800 illegally fired ground and baggage handlers after a four year landmark industrial relations battle.
The airline was also at the centre of a debacle involving Mr Albanese after it was revealed the PM did not declare gifted business class upgrades.
