Hawaiian Airlines, Hawai’i’s flagship carrier with a long history of service, has introduced a fresh collection of uniforms for over 5,000 of its frontline employees. This significant update in employee apparel is the result of a collaboration with Sig Zane Kaiao, a renowned design firm based in Hilo, Hawai’i, known for its culturally inspired designs. The new Hawaiian Airlines Uniform designs were revealed at Honolulu Fashion Week, marking a blend of tradition and modernity for the airline’s image.
Hawaiian Airlines In-Flight Uniform
The Hawaiian Airlines uniform project involved a dedicated committee of 40 frontline employees from various departments, ensuring the designs were both aesthetically pleasing and practically suited for their roles. Departments receiving the new uniforms include Airport Customer Service, Cabin Service, Cargo, In-Flight, Line Service, Maintenance, Ramp, and Supply, showcasing the wide reach of this uniform refresh across the airline’s operations. The unveiling event at the ‘Runway to Runway’ fashion show during HONOLULU Fashion Week Presented by Hawaiian Airlines highlighted the airline’s commitment to style and employee representation.
Central to the Hawaiian Airlines uniform design is the Kū Mākou print, meaning “Together We Stand.” This powerful theme emerged from collaborative “talk-story” sessions between the Sig Zane Kaiao design team, led by Sig Zane and Kuha’o Zane, and the employee committee. The concept of unity and shared journey, inspired by themes of voyaging, community, and family, is deeply embedded in the narrative print, resonating strongly with Hawaiian Airlines employees. Sig Zane emphasized the unifying aspect of the design, stating, “Kū Mākou means we stand together as one – one family, one team, one movement together,” highlighting the honor of contributing to this new chapter for Hawaiian Airlines.
The Kū Mākou print is characterized by two primary design elements: the ‘ohe kapala and the lehua blossom. ‘Ohe kapala, traditional bamboo stamps with intricate patterns used in kapa decoration, and the lehua blossom, a native Hawaiian plant rich in cultural symbolism, are thoughtfully integrated. The color palette of the Hawaiian Airlines uniform incorporates the signature purple of the airline alongside the pacific blue from the previous uniforms, bridging the past and future of the airline’s visual identity. Sig Zane noted the lehua’s significance as “the symbol of the Hawaiian people,” deeply rooted in Hawaiian legends and traditions.
Hawaiian Airlines Cabin Crew Uniform
Staying true to Hawaiian Airlines’ design philosophy, the Hawaiian Airlines uniform blends cultural heritage with modern, bold lines and high-performance materials. Affinity Apparel collaborated closely with the employee uniform committee to understand the practical demands of various roles and selected cutting-edge, durable fabrics to enhance each uniform piece’s functionality and comfort. Marcia Hischke from Affinity Apparel expressed pride in working with Hawaiian Airlines employees and designers to create fashionable yet functional garments for the frontline staff.
The rollout plan for the Hawaiian Airlines uniform includes on-the-job fit and wear testing by employees starting in January, ensuring comfort and practicality before the full launch in late 2017. This timeline coincides with the introduction of Hawaiian Airlines’ first A321neo long-haul aircraft, which, continuing the airline’s tradition, will be named after indigenous plants and forests, further weaving in Hawaiian culture into the airline’s operations and identity. The new Hawaiian Airlines uniform is more than just apparel; it’s a symbol of unity, Hawaiian culture, and the airline’s ongoing commitment to its employees and heritage.
