After more than a year and a half of development and design,
Delta
Airlines’ employees had the opportunity to preview the airline company’s
new line of uniforms.
In partnership with GPS Apparel by Gap Inc., Delta is
bringing to life prototypes of an all-new, modern and “distinctly Delta”
uniform collection, which features details that pay homage to the airline's
brand identity and heritage.
The collection was created with feedback from the airline’s
70,000 uniformed employees, including airport customer service agents, cargo
agents, flight attendants, ground equipment mechanics and aircraft technicians
at the center of the design process.
Working with Gap Inc. allowed Delta to leverage product and
design expertise from their 50-plus years of experience in the industry, as
well as their scaled platform and extensive sourcing capabilities. Through job
shadows, focus groups, surveys and interviews, the team at Gap Inc. collected
feedback from more than 20,000 employees on future uniform designs. This
feedback is being used to create prototypes that are comfortable yet elevated,
modern yet durable and above all, functional.
The uniform prototypes are anchored in deep navy blues and
rich burgundy, with accents of bright red and white – a return to a more
classic color palette inspired by Delta’s brand identity and heritage. With
ease of movement, breathability, inclusive fit, durability and distinct design
elements at the core of Delta’s uniform ethos, the collection offers a cohesive
and elevated look and allows employees the option to choose between different
looks and styles.
Garments are made from OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100-certified
fabrics and components and are purpose-built for each division and role, with
functional elements to help employees do their jobs well and wear their uniform
with pride.
In a further homage to Delta’s identity and history,
designers incorporated the iconic widget logo across the collection. First
introduced in 1959, the widget – as seen on the tails of Delta aircraft –
represents the spirit and culture of Delta. The flat base symbolizes the
airline’s solid foundation, while the top portion points skyward – a reminder
to always keep climbing.
Outfitting Delta employees head-to-toe in new uniforms will
take some time. The airline will begin extensive wear testing for each uniform
garment in fall 2024, offering Delta employees the opportunity to continue to
influence the fit, form and function of the new collection. The roll-in of
uniform pieces across all workgroups is not expected for the next few years,
however.
“Delta has tens of thousands of uniformed employees, all
with different needs and preferences,” said Ranjan Goswami, SVP of Customer
Experience Design. “That means any evolution of the uniform program will take
time and deliberation to get right. We are committed to using this time to
listen, learn and iterate as we work toward a new look – one that reflects and
celebrates who we are as Delta.”
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
