It may have taken until well into the 21st century, but female cabin crew on Japan Airlines will be able to wear trousers for the first time when a new uniform is introduced in April 2020.
The airline recently revealed its new uniform designs after surveying customers about potential new designs and providing feedback to the designer.
It kept key components of the current uniforms and said it followed the Tokyo 2020 Sustainable Sourcing Code, which includes gender equality as one of its goals, to use recycled materials.
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“Based on feedback received via a public survey, many comments included the key phrases stylish and modern,’’ it said in its announcement.
“In addition, comments regarding sleeves and the ability to wear trousers for female staff were proposed and approved.”
The redesign was the first in seven years and comes in the run-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.
It covers ground staff, ground handlers, engineers, cabin crew and pilots.
The airline said creative director Yasutoshi Ezumi created the design based on concepts called “Refined Hybrid Beauty” and “Hybrid Modern Beauty”.
“By using a hybrid technique combining different materials, the uniform includes the corporate logo ”Tsurumaru” and corporate color ”red” to produce an originally designed and highly functional uniform,’’ it said.
“The silhouette of the 3D shaped one-piece uniform is representing the curve of a crane and also adopted a balloon-shaped sleeve, which is rare in the airline industry.
“Based on the comments received from customers, the company designed a suitable style that does not affect the daily work involved for the crew.”
Flight crew already had a unisex design that included pants but the airline for the first time has introduced a special design for female pilots with a single button jacket and scarf that can be used to replace the necktie.
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