Delta Air Lines will cap off a massive logistical effort on May 29 when 64,000 employees make an impressive overnight switch to stylish new uniforms.
The culmination of a three-year journey will have seen more than 18 pieces of clothing delivered to the homes of employees as the airline shipped almost two million items around the world.
The new uniform from New York fashion designer Zac Posen incorporates seven colors, including “Passport Plum” for female flight crew, “Groundspeed Graphite” for male flight attendants and “Cruising Cardinal” for customer service staff.
Over the three years since the project began, the uniforms have been tested by 1000 employees across Delta’s network and more than 165 changes were made in response to feedback.
These included darkening gray in the men’s suit, re-examining the women ’s blouse design and restructuring the cargo pockets.
The airline subsequently held fittings for staff in 16 cities across three continents. The 5500 clothing items available at each event had to be transported by three semis and involved 750 fitting experts to help employees.
The next big logistical challenge comes when the staff makes the big switch to the new uniform in one go.
Crew completing an overnight trip and passing through time zones won’t have to do a quick change on the aircraft but they’ll be expected to start their shift on May 29 in the new uniform.
“A lot of companies handle these rollouts over an extended period of time, but we drew a line in the sand,’’ New Uniform Program director Akrem Dimbiloglu said in a Q&A on the airline’s website.
“This is a new, bold and different Delta. No matter where our customers, partners or employees are in the world, they can walk into any airport, hangar or facility and see Delta and our people transformed overnight.”
Dimbiloglu said the airline had already received positive feedback from customers during early testing.
“Moving away from the red and blue is difficult for some after 30 years, but the majority understand we have to constantly change and improve,’’ he said.
“If you look at the last three decades, the company is different. With the technology improvements in the mobile app, the investments made inside airports and gate houses, the enhancements to Delta Sky Clubs and buying new aircraft – we have already transformed Delta.
“This is another evolution.”
Delta’s last uniform update was in 2006 for airborne employees and 2000 for those on the ground.
