After an extensive development and design phase spanning over a year and a half, Delta Air Lines is offering its employees a first glimpse at the prototype collection for their New Delta Airlines Uniforms. This modern and distinctly Delta uniform collection is the result of a collaborative design process, prioritizing feedback from Delta’s 70,000 uniformed employees. These employees include crucial roles such as airport customer service agents, cargo agents, flight attendants, ground equipment mechanics, and aircraft technicians, ensuring a design that meets diverse needs.
Since 2022, Delta has been collaborating with GPS Apparel by Gap Inc., leveraging their expertise to bring this prototype collection to life. The partnership with Gap Inc., a company renowned for its iconic brands like Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta, provides Delta access to over 50 years of product and design experience, alongside their extensive sourcing and scaled platform. Gap Inc.’s team engaged with over 20,000 Delta employees through job shadows, focus groups, surveys, and interviews. This comprehensive feedback was instrumental in shaping the new delta airlines uniforms prototypes, aiming for a collection that is comfortable yet sophisticated, modern yet resilient, and above all, highly functional for the demanding roles within Delta.
The color palette of the new delta airlines uniforms prototypes is rooted in deep navy blues and rich burgundy, highlighted with accents of bright red and white. This represents a deliberate return to a more traditional color scheme, drawing inspiration from Delta’s established brand identity and rich heritage. Prioritizing ease of movement, breathability, inclusive fit options, durability, and distinctive design features, the collection is built upon a strong uniform ethos. It aims to provide a cohesive and elevated aesthetic while offering employees the flexibility to choose from various looks and styles that suit their roles and personal preferences. The garments are crafted from OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100-certified fabrics and components, specifically designed for each division and role within the airline. Functional elements are integrated to enhance job performance and foster a sense of pride in wearing the new delta airlines uniforms.
Further emphasizing Delta’s brand identity and storied history, the design team has subtly and overtly incorporated the iconic widget logo throughout the new delta airlines uniforms collection. The widget, originally introduced in 1959 and prominently featured on Delta aircraft tails, embodies the spirit and culture of the airline. Its flat base symbolizes Delta’s strong foundation, while the upward-pointing top section serves as a constant reminder to “keep climbing,” reflecting the airline’s ethos of progress and aspiration.
The comprehensive rollout of new delta airlines uniforms across all Delta employees will be a phased process, reflecting the scale of the undertaking. Extensive wear testing for each uniform garment is scheduled to commence later this fall. This critical phase will provide Delta employees with a continued opportunity to influence the fit, form, and overall functionality of the new delta airlines uniforms collection before finalization. The actual implementation of the new uniform pieces across all workgroups is anticipated to take place over the next few years.
“Delta has tens of thousands of uniformed employees, each with unique needs and preferences,” stated Ranjan Goswami, SVP of Customer Experience Design. “Consequently, any significant evolution of the uniform program requires considerable time and careful consideration to ensure we get it right. We are dedicated to utilizing this time to actively listen, learn, and refine our approach as we progress towards a new look – one that truly represents and celebrates who we are as Delta.”
