Internationally renowned Irish designer Louise Kennedy is again being called upon to redesign Aer Lingus staff uniforms, to be unveiled next spring.
The current ‘teal green’ uniform, also designed by Louise Kennedy, is the longest-serving outfit in the airline’s history, having been introduced in 1998.
Designed by Sybil Connolly of Pimms in 1945, Aer Lingus’ first-ever uniform was a military-style rich brown suit which then became green in 1948. Since then green has remained ever-present in the Aer Lingus look.
A total of ten Aer Lingus uniform designs have been created from a host of leading Irish fashion names including Irene Gilbert, Neillí Mulcahy, Digby Morton, Ib Jorgensen and Paul Costello.
Louise Kennedy said: “Twenty years after we first designed the current and longest-standing uniform, I am thrilled to continue the design story of the celebrated Aer Lingus uniform. To be able to now design a brand new uniform for the airline is an opportunity we very much appreciate and relish. In fact, it is an absolute honour.”
Mike Rutter, Aer Lingus Chief Operating Officer, said: “The Aer Lingus uniform is the very fabric of our brand and together with the shamrock on the tailfins instantly depicts our rich history and gives our guests who fly with us a warm sense of Ireland and Irish hospitality.
“The Aer Lingus brand has evolved greatly in the last three years which is evident in the ‘Smart Flies’ brand positioning and in the modernisation of the guest experience online, at the airport and on board. This new uniform design will represent the airline we are today, flying direct to 13 North American destinations, to more than 70 European destinations and carrying over 12 million guests each year.
Aer Lingus carried out extensive feedback with its staff to get their views on the current uniform and to discuss what the new uniform should address in terms of frontline ground agents and cabin crews’ needs in today’s working environment.
The redesign aims to create a “contemporary uniform that will retain its modern look over time and will best meet the needs of today’s airline staff”.
Look back on uniforms from the 1940s to the present day here or on Facebook here.
