Delta Air Lines has released its first photos of a prototype uniform that has been in the making for the last 18 months.
Since 2022, Delta Air Lines has been working with GPS Apparel by Gap to create a uniform that will be worn by employees across the airline and define the carrier for years to come.
The uniform design has drawn on the opinions and feedback from a wide selection of staff members including airport customer service agents, cargo agents, flight attendants, ground equipment mechanics and aircraft technicians.
Through job shadows, focus groups, surveys and interviews, the team at Gap collected feedback from more than 20,000 employees on future uniform designs.
However, Delta will undoubtably want to gage further public opinion before committing to any design that could potentially prove unpopular with customers.
The prototype uniforms combine deep navy blues and rich burgundy with accents of bright red and white that represent a return to a more classic color palette inspired by Delta’s brand identity and heritage.
“With ease of movement, breathability, inclusive fit, durability, and distinct design elements at the core of Delta’s uniform ethos, the collection offers a cohesive and elevated look and allows employees the option to choose between different looks and styles,” Delta said in a statement on March 20, 2024.
The familiar Delta widget logo that appears on the tails of its aircraft is also adopted in the new design.
The widget logo, which was first used by Delta in 1959, can be seen across the collection, in both obvious and subtle ways.
The flat base of the logo symbolizes the airline’s solid foundation, while the top portion points skyward.
Delta says that the new uniform, which will still undergoe development and changes, is not expected to be rolled out for the next few years.
The airline will begin extensive wear testing for each uniform garment later this year, giving Delta employees the opportunity to continue to influence the fit, form and function of the new collection.
“Delta has tens of thousands of uniformed employees, all with different needs and preferences,” Ranjan Goswami, SVP of Customer Experience Design, said. “That means any evolution of the uniform program will take time and deliberation to get right. We are committed to using this time to listen, learn and iterate as we work toward a new look – one that reflects and celebrates who we are as Delta.”
