Delta Airlines is embarking on a journey to redefine its brand identity through the lens of its employees’ work attire. After dedicating over a year and a half to the development and design process, Delta is excited to give its 70,000 uniformed employees, including airport customer service agents, cargo agents, flight attendants, ground equipment mechanics, and aircraft technicians, a sneak peek at the prototypes of its modern and “distinctly Delta” uniform collection. This initiative places a significant emphasis on employee feedback, ensuring the final products not only look good but also meet the practical needs of those who wear them daily.
In an ambitious collaboration, Delta joined forces with GPS Apparel by Gap Inc., a move that harnesses Gap Inc.’s half-century of experience in the fashion industry and its extensive sourcing capabilities. Gap Inc., known for iconic brands like Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta, worked closely with Delta, engaging in job shadows, focus groups, surveys, and interviews to gather insights from over 20,000 Delta employees. This comprehensive feedback is instrumental in creating prototypes that strike the perfect balance between comfort, functionality, and style. The proposed uniform collection promises to be comfortable yet elevated, modern yet durable, aligning with the needs and expectations of Delta’s diverse workforce.
Echoing Delta’s Heritage in Every Stitch
Delta’s new uniform prototypes feature a color palette that echoes the airline’s rich heritage, with deep navy blues, rich burgundy, and accents of bright red and white. This nod to tradition is paired with a focus on modern design elements like ease of movement, breathability, inclusive fit, and durability, ensuring the collection is as practical as it is stylish. Additionally, garments are made from OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100-certified fabrics, highlighting Delta’s commitment to quality and sustainability.
An exciting aspect of the new uniforms is the inclusion of the iconic widget logo, symbolizing Delta’s spirit and culture. This emblem, which adorns the tail of Delta aircraft, has been creatively incorporated into the uniform design, serving as a constant reminder of the airline’s legacy and aspirations.
Rolling out the new uniforms across Delta’s diverse workforce is a journey that will unfold over the next few years. Starting this fall, Delta will begin extensive wear testing for each garment, offering employees continued opportunities to shape the collection’s final look and feel. This phased approach ensures that by the time the new uniforms are officially adopted, they will truly reflect the needs, preferences, and identity of Delta and its employees.
Ranjan Goswami, SVP of Customer Experience Design, notes, “Delta has tens of thousands of uniformed employees, all with different needs and preferences,” emphasizing the thoughtful and deliberate pace of this project. This process underscores Delta’s commitment to listening, learning, and evolving as it crafts a new uniform collection that celebrates the airline’s identity and its employees’ roles in Delta’s continued success.
Indeed, Delta Airlines is crafting a future where its uniforms not only serve functional needs but also embody the airline’s values and heritage. Through a process rooted in employee feedback and collaboration with fashion experts, Delta is on a path to introduce a uniform collection that stands out for its design, functionality, and significance.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
