Fiji Airways has unveilled a new uniform to go with the airline's new name, new planes and new just-about-everything-else, following its overnight transition from the old Air Pacific.
The striking new cabin crew kit celebrates Fijian culture and incorporate 'masi' brandmarks already seen on Fiji Airways' new Airbus A330.
Based on traditional Fijian attire, the uniforms mix rich chocolate and vibrant aqua colours which are also subtly reflected in the cabin interior and other items such as the dining service and linens.
The designs are built around three distinct masi motifs created by celebrated Fijian masi artist Makereta Matemosi: a Qalitoka to symbolise the unity of people to complete a task, a Tama conveying friendly service, and the Droe, which represents clear blue skies and cool breeze on beaches.
Parisian fashion designer Alexandra Poenaru-Philp, who since 2010 has lived in Fiji with her Fijian-born husband Tony Philp, took her cue from the airline's branding, which "is seeking modernity while keeping the traditions of Fiji alive”.
"We determined that re-visiting the sulu jaba (traditional Fijian attire) for women and the Bula shirts for men, in a very modern way, would be the best way to respect this tradition and modernity" she explains.
"It was essential for our uniforms, just like our new aircraft livery, to stand out at the world’s busiest airports, said Raelene Gibson, Fiji Airways’ Manager Cabin Crew and Service Delivery. “Our new brand is distinctively Fijian, and the new uniforms complement it wonderfully."
The airline is now busy rolling out new check-in signage, baggage tags and a host of other items.
On board, what was previously dubbed Pacific Voyager (economy) and Tabua Class (business) will simply be known as Economy and Business Class.
In addition to taking delivery of a new Airbus A330, Fiji Airways is refreshing its Boeing 737s, both inside...
... and outside.
And if you want a photo tour of Fiji Airway's Airbus A330, well, you've come to the right place.
Australian Business Traveller caught up with the airline's first brand-new A330 earlier this year as it made a pitstop at Hong Kong Airport, en route to Fiji after flying from Airbus HQ in Toulouse.
Read: Inside Air Pacific's new ‘Fiji Airways’ Airbus A330
The past few months have been busy ones for fashion-forward airlines, beginning with the latest high-fashion looks of Qantas, crafted by Martin Grant...
... China Eastern's new Christian Lacroix clobber...
... and Virgin Atlantic's threads by Vivienne Westwood.
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
04 Nov 2011
Total posts 359
Great work Fiji Airways. Love the new livery and uniforms. Combined with a great new hard product, will be one to watch.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
23 May 2012
Total posts 268
Look great and it matches its new livery very well! The 737 looks stunning, especially for an aircraft used for domestic flights. The A330 seats look very familiar to Virgin Australia's new product. I can't wait to try Fiji Airways.
24 Nov 2011
Total posts 8
Nice look. Very good color choices, design and very distinctive as well. It can be very tricky to blend old with the new and I think they did a great job, and matches there airline's design theme very well. Little things like the way an airline looks helps boost satisfaction and comfort on a flight.
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Photos: Fiji Airways' new uniform