Flight of fashion: Air Canada Rouge unveils new uniforms
The discount carrier will launch July 1 with its crew dressed in thrifty, casual clothes intended to reinforce a vacation atmosphere. Most of the new uniforms, shoes and luggage will be sourced in Canada.
Models show off Air Canada Rouge’s newly unveiled uniforms at a news conference in Toronto, May 27, 2013. The discount carrier launches July 1.Kevin Van Paassen/The Globe and Mail
The uniforms are pared-down versions of more traditional flight-attendants’ outfits, in a nod to the cost-cutting approach of the discount carrier.Kevin Van Paassen/The Globe and Mail
Air Canada Rouge’s first Airbus 319 aircraft is displayed at Mirabel Airport. The carrier ultimately will fly 20 Boeing long-haul 767s and 30 Airbus 319 airplanes, depending on demand.Handout
The very basic burgundy knitwear tops and grey slacks are going to be around for the next five to seven years, airline executives said.Kevin Van Paassen/The Globe and Mail
Most of the pieces are Canadian-designed.Kevin Van Paassen/The Globe and Mail
The grey overcoats and pants are from Montreal-based Nicci Uniform and manufactured domestically.Kevin Van Paassen/The Globe and Mail
Corporate partners in the production of the new uniforms include John Fluevog Shoes and and L’Oreal.Kevin Van Paassen/The Globe and Mail
The concept for the new uniforms was developed by Montreal’s VF Imagewear, using Air Canada Rouge’s signature colours of burgundy and slate grey.Kevin Van Paassen/The Globe and Mail
As well as training at Air Canada’s Toronto and Montreal centres, Air Canada Rouge flight attendants will receive customer service training at the Disney Institute in Florida.Kevin Van Paassen/The Globe and Mail
Flight attendants will have their hometowns printed on their name badges to encourage conversations with passengers.Kevin Van Paassen/The Globe and Mail
Air Canada Rouge plans to hire 2,000 flight team members over the next three years.Kevin Van Paassen/The Globe and Mail
The airline plans to train and hire from 25 to 40 flight attendants for every aircraft it takes delivery of in the next three years.Kevin Van Paassen/The Globe and Mail
Air Canada Rouge attendants will be paid less on the discount airline than flight crew on the regular airline.Kevin Van Paassen/The Globe and Mail
The next round of hiring for Rouge flight attendants will begin this summer.Kevin Van Paassen/The Globe and Mail