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New Qantas Dress Code Ruffling Aviators’ Feathers

Some pilots say that the extensive set of rules that accompanied the airline’s rollout of brand-new uniforms is both onerous and insulting.

Qantas pilots are reportedly panning the airline’s recently unveiled uniforms as well as the new list of dress code regulations that came along with the revamped ensembles. Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA) surveyed its members and found that, despite a “general satisfaction with the new suit design,” a vast majority of pilots were not impressed with the redesigned wings, epaulettes and badges or the striking new white hats.

“The white cap is supposed to take us back to the days of flying boats but it’s 2016, not the 1940s,” an unnamed pilot told The Sydney Morning Herald. “We don’t fly flying boats, we fly airplanes.” There is apparently more than just one crew member with a less than favorable view of the new uniforms. “They don’t call it a uniform, they call it a costume,” another pilot complained. “Everyone has got the s***s that they are trying to make us wear this stuff.”

More than the look of the new work uniform, pilots seem to be most outraged by new dress code regulations enacted at the same time. The new rules dictate the acceptable length of a pilot’s mustache (upper lip must be clearly visible) as well as specifically prohibiting gum chewing while in uniform (even while off-duty). Other rules specify the exact outdoor temperature at which jackets may be removed and list the appropriate types of carry-on bags (backpacks prohibited) crew members are permitted to use while in uniform.

The airline says that despite the pushback from a small number of pilots, the new uniforms as well as the dress code regulations are here to stay. “It’s a reflection of the professionalism of our pilots,” Qantas Chief Pilot Captain Richard Tobiano told The Daily Mail. ”I know that our pilots are very proud and feel privileged to fly for Qantas and to wear the uniform, which not only looks fantastic but also pays tribute to the history of our airline and profession.”

[Photo: Qantas]

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6 Comments
J
jonsg November 5, 2016

As a passenger, I really couldn't give two hoots - in fact, I'm finding it hard to muster even one - about the uniform regulations of the pilots of the planes I'm on. What I care about is: 1. Their skills and experience; 2. Their professionalism (and I don't accept the bum-clenched badges-must-be-worn-just-so rules as proxy for professionalism, unlike Qantas); 3. That's it.

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Cymbo October 30, 2016

I echo the comment about impractical white hats!

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Shuttle_Endeavour October 28, 2016

Uniform schmumiform. It's not that difficult. Wear it, don't wear it. People don't really care. A storm in a qantas tea cup.

D
DrewBach October 27, 2016

“Everyone has got the s***s that they are trying to make us wear this stuff.” Slightly confused what is happening here, people are having diarrhea because of the uniforms?

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SarcasticMisanthrope October 27, 2016

I guess Qantas is trying to be like Pan Am of old. Just be glad they don't weight you before you pilot the plane.