AUCKLAND— Air New Zealand (NZ) has delayed the rollout of its new Emilia Wickstead-designed uniforms, with employees now expected to begin wearing the collection from March 2027.
The airline had originally indicated that its new uniforms would enter service during 2026, following a wearer trial involving hundreds of staff.
The collection was unveiled in April 2025 at an event in Auckland, New Zealand, after Wickstead spent time speaking with Air New Zealand employees about their requirements.
However, the airline will continue using its existing Trelise Cooper uniforms while further preparations for the new collection are completed.
Air New Zealand Uniform Rollout Delayed
Air New Zealand initially planned to have about 400 employees participate in wearer trials from May 2025.
At the time, the airline said the wider network rollout would follow in 2026, but that schedule has now shifted by almost a year.
The airline’s general manager of global brand, Grace Blewitt, said the wearer trial had provided useful feedback that was being used to refine the collection before its introduction.
Air New Zealand has not publicly detailed all the changes behind the revised rollout timetable.
The Trelise Cooper uniform, introduced in 2011, will therefore remain in service until employees progressively transition to the new designs from March 2027.
That will give the current uniform a lifespan of about 16 years, compared with roughly 13 years for the previous Barbara Lee collection.
Crew Feedback Shapes Designs
Practicality and comfort have played an important role in the development process.
Representatives from the Flight Attendants Association of New Zealand (FAANZ) participated in the wearer trial and provided feedback on the garments during the testing period.
One notable adjustment was the addition of a short-sleeve shirt. The original proposal included only a traditional long-sleeve shirt, but feedback from flight attendants and union meetings led to the additional option, alongside other smaller refinements aimed at improving crew comfort.
The new collection includes cabin and ground staff shirts, waistcoats, a trench coat, dresses and new pilot uniforms. It also incorporates a Pasifika ie faitaga, and cultural prints hand-drawn by tā moko artist Te Rangitu Netana.
Emilia Wickstead Collection
New Zealand-born, London-based designer Emilia Wickstead was selected to create the new Air New Zealand uniform in November 2023.
She visited airports around New Zealand and consulted employees before developing the collection, with comfort during both short- and long-haul operations among the considerations.
The collection combines tailored designs with elements intended to reflect New Zealand and Pacific culture.
Air New Zealand describes the new uniform as a representation of its people, culture and values, while its official materials show designs for cabin crew, ground staff, Pasifika team members and pilots.
The airline is also considering the environmental impact of the transition. Its new uniform uses materials including organic cotton, recycled polyester and a recycled polyester-wool blend, while Air New Zealand is exploring recycling and circular-economy options for uniforms being phased out.
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