Air New Zealand is searching for a new designer to create its uniforms with expressions of interests (EOI) open until May 14.
Air New Zealand will invite selected designers to be a part of a competitive pitch process, with the project open to all New Zealand designers.
The winner will be announced later this year, followed by the rollout of new garments in 2025. The project will see new styles created for pilots, flight attendants and ground staff.
Air New Zealand chief customer and sales officer Leanne Geraghty confirmed staff will provide feedback throughout the process.
“After 12 years with our current designs, it’s time to revisit and refresh our uniforms to ensure they continue to be a perfect fit for our people and align with our recently announced future cabin experience,” Geraghty said.
“Alongside our Koru, the Air New Zealand uniform is one of our most important brand assets and is recognised around the world. It is often the first visual representation of New Zealand people travelling to our country see and something that drives immense pride for our people and New Zealanders.
“It’s important that we continue to ensure our uniform accurately reflects our business, our people, and our country.”
The uniforms were previously designed by Dame Trelise Cooper. Geraghty said the winning designer and Air New Zealand will build on the current uniform’s popularity with a modern take.
“Most importantly, we’ll be working to ensure the uniform reflects the diverse requirements of our people. A lot has changed since our last uniform update in 2011 and we want to ensure they continue to meet the needs of our teams.
“This is just the start of an exciting journey of creativity and innovation, bringing Aotearoa to life in the uniforms our people wear with pride every day.”
Air New Zealand chief sustainability officer Kiri Hannifin said updating the uniform gives Air New Zealand the opportunity to review the sustainability of its workplace wardrobe.
“Part of our commitment to sustainability is supporting a circular economy,” Hannifin said. “An integral element of the brief is that the fabrics we use have reduced life cycle impacts. Integrating new innovations, particularly around textile recycling, is key.
“As part of this work, we are also researching end-of-life solutions for our existing uniform to better understand how we can minimise as much as possible waste to landfill.”
Air New Zealand’s first uniforms were designed by Australian department store David Jones in 1950.