Martin Grant designs are about to hit the runway – but not the one you'd expect.
The Australian designer has been enlisted to create new uniforms for Qantas' domestic, regional and international pilots.
The announcement comes two years after Grant revamped the uniform of the airline's cabin crew and ground staff.
He will travel across the airline's domestic and international network to gain inspiration, as well as hosting focus groups with representatives from the pilot community to get feedback on what they would like to wear.
A strong focus on design, practicalities and comfort will drive the outcome.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said that the redesign comes as change is in the air.
“Every Qantas uniform over the past 95 years reflects its times and we’re excited to work with Martin on a new design that reflects modern Australian style as well as the positive things happening at Qantas. It’s important that our crew feel proud to wear the Qantas uniform around the world, every day. They represent the national carrier so we want them to feel confident and comfortable sitting in the flight deck, standing in the cabin or walking through an airport.”
Catering to the rise of female pilots is also on the agenda.
“A key part of the design process will be asking our pilots what they would like to see in the new design. With an increase in the number of female pilots in the Qantas ranks, the design of the female uniform will also be a focus.”
Grant believes he's ready to take on the challenge.
“The reputation of Qantas pilots speaks for itself, so it’s a real honour to be asked to work with them to create their new uniform. I want it to be comfortable, stylish and most of all, distinguished. 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.”
Qantas chief pilot Captain Richard Tobiano said that the change is welcomed and well deserved.
“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. 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.”
Grant's designs for Qantas are set to take off in 2016.