After an extensive development and design phase spanning over a year and a half, Delta Air Lines has presented the first prototypes of its entirely new, contemporary, and “distinctly Delta” uniform collection. This initiative places the airline’s 70,000 uniformed employees at the heart of the design journey, incorporating crucial feedback from airport customer service agents, cargo agents, flight attendants, ground equipment mechanics, and aircraft technicians. These Delta New Uniforms are designed to represent the future of the airline’s employee image.
Since 2022, Delta has collaborated with GPS Apparel by Gap Inc., leveraging the iconic company’s 50+ years of industry expertise and brand portfolio, including Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta, to realize this prototype collection. Gap Inc.’s team engaged in job shadowing, focus groups, surveys, and interviews, gathering insights from over 20,000 employees regarding future uniform designs. This valuable feedback is instrumental in crafting prototypes that balance comfort and sophistication, modernity and durability, and most importantly, functionality for everyday airline operations.
The prototype delta new uniforms are characterized by a color palette of deep navy blues and rich burgundy, highlighted with accents of bright red and white. This choice marks a return to a more traditional color scheme that reflects Delta’s established brand identity and heritage. Prioritizing ease of movement, breathability, inclusive fit, durability, and distinctive design elements, the collection aims to provide a unified and refined appearance. Employees will have the flexibility to select from various styles and looks within the range, ensuring personal preference and functional needs are met. The garments are constructed from OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100-certified fabrics and components, specifically engineered for each division and role within Delta. Functional features are integrated to support employees in performing their duties effectively and wearing their delta new uniforms with pride.
Further underscoring the connection to Delta’s brand identity and storied past, designers have subtly and overtly integrated the iconic widget logo throughout the delta new uniforms collection. The widget, initially introduced in 1959 and prominently featured on Delta aircraft tails, embodies the airline’s spirit and culture. Its flat base symbolizes Delta’s strong foundation, while the upward-pointing top section serves as a constant reminder to strive for progress and “keep climbing.” This emblem acts as a visual representation of Delta’s enduring values embedded within these delta new uniforms.
The comprehensive rollout of these delta new uniforms across Delta’s workforce will be a phased process. Extensive wear testing for each uniform garment is scheduled to commence later this fall. This crucial phase will provide Delta employees with continued opportunities to influence the fit, form, and functionality of the new collection before full implementation. The actual deployment of the new uniform pieces across all workgroups is anticipated to take place over the coming years.
Ranjan Goswami, SVP of Customer Experience Design at Delta, emphasized the scale and employee-centric approach of this initiative: “Delta has tens of thousands of uniformed employees, each with unique needs and preferences. Therefore, any evolution of the uniform program requires significant time and careful consideration to ensure its success. We are dedicated to utilizing this period for attentive listening, continuous learning, and iterative refinement as we progress toward a new aesthetic – one that genuinely reflects and celebrates Delta’s identity and our dedicated team.”
