Korean Air has launched a new line of eco-conscious uniforms designed for its maintenance, aerospace, cargo, and ground handling staff, set to be implemented starting April 1. These updated Korean Air Uniforms are tailored to suit the diverse workforce of the airline, with a strong emphasis on safety and practicality.
The design of the new korean air uniform places a high priority on both safety and functionality. The fabrics chosen are specialized to reduce the risk of electrical incidents, a crucial factor for maintenance and aerospace personnel. Furthermore, the design thoughtfully incorporates the ability to insert knee pads, providing additional protection when needed for ground handling tasks. For warmer climates and summer operations, the uniforms include breathable mesh sections behind the knees to improve ventilation and comfort. Reflective tape is strategically added to enhance visibility, especially in low-light environments typical of airport operations and cargo handling areas. The range of uniform items is comprehensive, including T-shirts, vests, windbreakers, and heavy jackets. This variety ensures that employees can select appropriate attire depending on their specific tasks and the prevailing weather conditions, offering adaptability across different seasons and operational demands.
Sustainability is a key aspect of the new korean air uniform initiative. The materials selected for the uniforms are environmentally certified, aligning with Korean Air’s broader commitment to sustainable practices. Notably, the winter jackets are crafted from Sympatex textile, a material renowned for its exceptional thermal insulation, waterproof, and windproof qualities. This high-performance material has achieved both Bluesign and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifications, recognized as leading environmental benchmarks for textiles in Europe. The eco-friendly nature of the fabric extends to its end-of-life, as it is designed to be either recycled or to decompose naturally without releasing harmful substances into the environment.
This uniform refresh marks a significant milestone, representing the first major overhaul of the korean air uniform for maintenance, aerospace, cargo, and ground handling teams in 38 years, since 1986. Employee input was integral to the design process, ensuring the new uniforms are genuinely practical and meet the needs of the staff who will wear them daily. Functional features, such as strategically placed pockets for essential tools and equipment, have been incorporated based on employee feedback. To ensure optimal fit and functionality across diverse roles, Korean Air conducted trial fitting events at its Seoul headquarters, Busan Tech Center, and Incheon Hangar over four days starting from March 26. This collaborative approach to design underscores Korean Air’s commitment to its employees’ comfort and operational efficiency.
This initiative builds upon the successful safety footwear upgrades implemented in May 2023 for staff working across airports, hangars, and cargo terminals. In that instance, employees were given the opportunity to choose from a selection of safety shoes and try them on to ensure a comfortable and safe fit, further demonstrating Korean Air’s dedication to employee well-being and workplace safety.