Delta is planning to identify more sustainable textile practices, engage with greater control of the production process and offer their employees a wider choice of garments.
The airline has stated they will launch a completely new uniform programme for all flight attendants and above-wing airport customer service agents.
They have said that employee feedback guided this decision and their input continues to inform the uniform development process.
Delta is also making additions to the below-wing uniform collection.
Delta is planning to roll out a completely new uniform programme for flight attendants and above-wing airport customer service employees and will provide updates to its existing uniform in the interim.
‘At Delta, our people are the foundation of our success. In response to our employees, we’ve taken steps over the past few months to address feedback received about the uniform, including offering alternative garments, hiring fabric experts and conducting comprehensive chemical testing,’ said Ekrem Dimbiloglu, Director – New Uniform Program. ‘This is a big decision, but we side with our people and we are making a change.’
Delta is hoping to use this opportunity to identify more sustainable textile practices, greater control of the production process and hope to be able to offer employees a greater choice of garments.
Moving forward, the new uniforms will carry the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label, which is the highest standard in the textile industry.
Delta is targeting late 2021 for the new uniform launch.
In addition to alternate options already permitted, Delta employees will be offered new uniform choices in the interim.
Below-wing employees have, overall, positive feedback about the uniform programme and those employees will continue the current uniforms, though Delta is making some updates to the collection in response to employee feedback.
The current uniform programme was launched in May 2018. Approximately 65,000 frontline employees – 35,000 above-wing and 30,000 below-wing – received these uniforms.
Above-wing employees typically work in customer-facing roles in the airport or on board the aircraft, including flight attendants, gate and ticket agents, while below-wing employees work in roles such as baggage handling and aircraft maintenance.
Delta will share additional details soon and provide opportunities for employee engagement and feedback in the coming days.
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