(CNN) – Flight attendant uniforms have developed rapidly over the years, with styles adapted to reflect fashion trends, along with a changing world.
However, there is no way a designer can predict his latest incarnation.
Qatar Airways is one of several airlines that has introduced Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suits for its cabin crew in connection with the coronavirus pandemic.
From now onwards, all flight attendants for Qatar-flagged airlines will wear hazmat suits on top of their uniforms, along with safety goggles, gloves and masks during the flight.
Extra precautions
Qatar Airways crew will wear PPE suits over their uniforms, along with safety goggles, gloves and masks.
Courtesy of Qatar Airways
In addition, passengers will be asked to wear face masks or masks on all flights starting May 25.
The airline recommends that travelers carry their belongings “for the purposes of being fit and comfortable.”
According to in an official statement, Qatar Airways cabin crew has been wearing PPE, such as masks and gloves, for flights for several weeks.
However, the “temporary” measures added were introduced as extra precautions.
“At Qatar Airways, we have introduced these additional safety measures on our flights to ensure the health and well-being of our passengers and cabin crew, and to limit the spread of the corona virus,” Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said.
“As an airline, we maintain the highest possible hygiene standards to ensure that we can fly people home safely during this time and provide greater assurance that safety is our number one priority.”
In addition, the airline will be equipped with large bottles of hand sanitizer, which can be used by cabin crew and passengers.
‘New normal’
The move comes a few weeks after Philippines Airlines and AirAsia reportedly launched a new uniform that combines PPE.
Philippines Airlines offer is said to have been designed by designer Edwin Tan, who uses a hospital gown for inspiration, while the AirAsia uniform is reportedly dreamed of by Puey Quinones, who describes the protective gear as “new normal.”
However, there seems to be some confusion with US airlines regarding customers and masks.
While Southwest Airlines has advised flight crews to refrain from stopping passengers from boarding if they refuse to wear masks, according to an internal memo obtained by CNN, American Airlines policy insists customers “might be refused boarding” for not wearing masks.
However, JetBlue Airways policy states, “Customers who refuse to adhere to our policies will be refused boarding.”
At present, FAA and TSA have not yet introduced regulations imposed by the government that make masks mandatory for passengers.
Pete Muntean from CNN also contributed to this report.
