Qantas will bring a dash of fashion to the flight deck with a new pilots' uniform from Melbourne-born and Paris-based Martin Grant.
Due to debut in 2016, the uniform will see some 2,500 pilots across Qantas' domestic, international and regional QantasLink network mix high-styling with high-flying.
Grant isn't giving away many clues as to the new design, which will be created in consultation with Qantas pilots with an eye to comfort and practicality, but he says his goal is for the uniform "to be comfortable, stylish and most of all, distinguished."
Martin Grant's new project for Qantas: bring fashion to the flight deck
However, it'd be a safe bet that Grant will steer towards classic colours and cut, mixed with a touch of retro and subtle 'Qantas Red' highlights, to create a connection to his highly-regarded work on the Qantas uniform.
Let's see what cues Grant takes from his popular Qantas crew uniform...
Photos, video: Qantas launches dashing new uniform
Grant will also clock up hours in a Qantas flight simulator to literally put himself in the shoes of his clients.
"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" Grant says.
And with Qantas employing a growing number of female pilots who are "also hoping for a more feminine line," Grant says, "I will have that front of mind when I begin the design stage."
Today's togs for Qantas pilots, as modelled by Captain Richard de Crespigny
"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" adds Qantas Chief Pilot, Captain Richard 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."
Also see: Photo gallery of Qantas pilot uniforms through the years
Follow Australian Business Traveller on Twitter: we're @AusBT
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 Dec 2014
Total posts 25
Why not give them shorts, shorts with long socks, retro!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 Dec 2014
Total posts 25
and skirts for the ladies too, comfort factor..
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 645
I'm looking forward to seeing what eventuates..it's great to hear of a direct process between flight deck crew and the designer...over the years, flight deck crew have been a 'second thought' with respect to uniforms. The 'demographic' of pilots is changing....it's time for the uniform to 'catch up'..there are many examples around the world of pilots wearing 'something different' .... as long as it doesn't affect their ability to do their job...which I highly doubt QF/CASA will allow...WELL DONE QF
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 645
add on...if certain pilots think that a change of uniform diminishes their importance....i think that's more a reflection on the that individual...and the mindset of a particular 'generation'....in the past..QF would not have dared even changing the colours on pilots ties!!! lol....as long as the uniform doesn't impede on a pilots ability to perform their duties...BRING IT ON!! :)
04 Nov 2012
Total posts 212
My friend a long serving QF FA says many are complaining about the poor fit of the new unifirms so hope this latest change is not the same.
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on New uniform for Qantas pilots coming in 2016