{"id":159071,"date":"2026-09-29T05:04:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-28T23:34:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=159071"},"modified":"2026-09-29T01:37:17","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T20:07:17","slug":"air-new-zealand-pushes-back-highly-anticipated-new-uniforms-by-nearly-a-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/29\/air-new-zealand-pushes-back-highly-anticipated-new-uniforms-by-nearly-a-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Air New Zealand Pushes Back Highly Anticipated New Uniforms by Nearly a Year"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

AUCKLAND\u2014<\/strong> Air New Zealand (NZ)<\/a> has delayed the rollout of its new Emilia Wickstead-designed uniforms, with employees now expected to begin wearing the collection from March 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline had originally indicated that its new uniforms would enter service during 2026, following a wearer trial involving hundreds of staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the airline will continue using its existing Trelise Cooper uniforms while further preparations for the new collection are completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Air
Photo: Air New Zealand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Air New Zealand Uniform Rollout Delayed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Air New Zealand initially planned to have about 400 employees participate in wearer trials from May 2025. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the time, the airline said the wider network rollout would follow in 2026, but that schedule has now shifted by almost a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Air New Zealand has not publicly detailed all the changes behind the revised rollout timetable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Trelise Cooper uniform, introduced in 2011, will therefore remain in service until employees progressively transition to the new designs from March 2027. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That will give the current uniform a lifespan of about 16 years, compared with roughly 13 years for the previous Barbara Lee collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Air New Zealand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Crew Feedback Shapes Designs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Practicality and comfort have played an important role in the development process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Representatives from the Flight Attendants Association of New Zealand (FAANZ)<\/a> participated in the wearer trial and provided feedback on the garments during the testing period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 t\u0101 moko artist Te Rangitu Netana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Air New Zealand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Emilia Wickstead Collection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

New Zealand-born, London-based designer Emilia Wickstead was selected to create the new Air New Zealand uniform in November 2023. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The collection combines tailored designs with elements intended to reflect New Zealand and Pacific culture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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