British Airways, the national carrier of the UK, has reportedly launched its first new uniform in nearly 20 years, giving female cabin staff additional attire options like the hijab and jumpsuits. Offering the female cabin crew a host of other alternatives to pick from; ranging from a dress, a skirt, to trousers. In addition to the two newest additions, the hijab, and jumpsuits. As for men, British airline said in a statement that men will be offered a three-piece suit.
British clothes designer, Ozwald Boateng created the new uniform collection in 2018, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the release of the collection, “designing this collection for British Airways was a massive project, and it extended well beyond clothes,” Boateng wrote on Instagram. His main objective, he said, was to design a new uniform that “spoke to and for the British Airways colleagues” and that “inspired and empowered them, urged them to do their tasks with pride, and most crucially, to guarantee that they felt seen and heard.”
Moreover, only around 15 Airlines, with the exception of the newest addition British Airlines, allow, or even mandate, hijab as part of their uniform according to the cabin crew training agency Cabin Crew Wing.
Additionally, the UK is putting an extraordinary effort to show recognition for the Muslim population’s achievements. For example, on Jan. 1, about 40 British Muslims were named in King Charles’ first New Year Honors List, the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) reported. These awards recognize those who have made an outstanding achievement in public life or committed themselves to serve and helping Britain. MCB Secretary-General Zara Mohammed expressed his joy as it is great to see such excellent contributions to British society being recognized. Mohamed even stated that this is “a real testament to the vital work faith communities continues to play in shaping our diverse Britain.”
It’s also worth mentioning that the proportion of people who identify as Muslim has risen by 1.2 million in 10 years, bringing the Muslim population to 3.9 million in 2021, the census shows. Overall, Muslims now make up 6.5% of the population in England and Wales, up from 4.9% in 2011.