United Airlines has rolled out a fresh, durable look for its ground operations teams, thanks to a collaboration with Carhartt Company Gear (CCG). The airline announced the debut of new uniforms designed exclusively by Carhartt for 28,000 of its employees in Technical Operations, Ramp Service, and Catering Operations. This initiative, spanning nearly three years, involved direct input from United employees to ensure the workwear meets the rigorous demands of their roles.
“These uniforms represent more than just a style update for United Airlines,” stated Kate Gebo, Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations at United Airlines. “This comprehensive design process underscores our deep respect for our employees’ insights and union leadership. Our ground crews worldwide face diverse and challenging weather conditions daily. Partnering with Carhartt, a leader in workwear, has allowed us to create a uniform line that ensures our employees not only look professional but also feel comfortable and protected as they deliver exceptional service.”
The development of the Carhartt Uniforms was a collaborative effort, incorporating feedback from approximately 1,000 employees across both domestic and international locations. Through focus groups and extensive “wear tests,” employee input was instrumental in refining the garments’ features and functionality. The resulting Carhartt collection comprises over 50 distinct pieces, each meticulously designed to cater to the specific needs of United’s below-wing workforce. Key design elements include custom-designed pockets in trousers to securely hold tools, strategic color-blocking on high-visibility gear to minimize the appearance of dirt, and fabric selections tailored to withstand a wide spectrum of climate conditions encountered across United’s global network. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, Carhartt placed significant emphasis on the women’s collection, ensuring proper fit and optimal function for female employees. These thoughtful design considerations collectively enhance employee safety and operational efficiency.
Andi Donovan, Senior Vice President of Carhartt Company Gear, remarked, “Carhartt Company Gear is dedicated to providing businesses with cutting-edge workwear solutions, and our partnership with United exemplifies our commitment to custom offerings. Our primary objective is to collaborate closely with companies to equip their workforce with the highest quality gear that aligns perfectly with their unique requirements. The positive feedback from United’s frontline employees confirms the effectiveness and practicality of these new uniforms.”
This uniform refresh is part of a larger, company-wide initiative to update uniforms for over 75,000 United employees. Guided by employee feedback, United’s collaborations with design partners Tracy Reese, Brooks Brothers, and Carhartt prioritize high-quality materials, enhanced breathability, and improved fit. Following the Carhartt launch, United is proceeding with the next phase, which includes a second wear test before unveiling the final designs from Brooks Brothers and Tracy Reese for flight attendants, pilots, and customer service representatives, with updates expected in summer 2020.
This investment in new uniforms is one of many recent initiatives by United to enhance the employee experience, reflecting the airline’s evolving employee-centric culture. This commitment has been acknowledged by Indeed.com, which recognized United as a Top 50 Workplace for 2019.
United’s dedication extends to its customers as well, with a focus on continuous improvement across all aspects of the business to ensure customer satisfaction remains central. Recent customer-centric initiatives include eliminating expiration dates on MileagePlus award miles, a $40 million commitment to sustainable aviation fuel development, the launch of Miles on a Mission for charitable mile donations, ConnectionSaver for improved connecting flight experiences, PlusPoints upgrade benefits, complimentary snack options in Economy, and free DIRECTV on over 200 aircraft.
About United
United’s mission is to connect people and unite the world. The airline is committed to delivering an exceptional experience for every customer, on every flight, every day. United and United Express operate approximately 5,000 daily flights to 362 airports across five continents. In 2019, they operated over 1.7 million flights, serving more than 162 million customers. United boasts the world’s most comprehensive route network, with U.S. mainland hubs in major cities. United operates a large mainline fleet and its United Express partners operate a substantial regional fleet. As a founding member of Star Alliance, United provides access to 195 countries through 26 member airlines.
About Carhartt
Founded in 1889, Carhartt is a global leader in premium workwear, renowned for its durable and rugged products. Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, Carhartt is a family-owned company committed to serving hardworking individuals. Carhartt Company Gear extends this legacy by providing businesses with customized workwear solutions.
