Korean Air is rolling out new eco-friendly uniforms for its maintenance, aerospace, cargo and ground handling employees.

The airline says the new uniforms prioritise safety and functionality, with specialised fabrics being chosen to mitigate risks of electrical accidents and the insertion of knee pads for extra protection.

The uniforms were developed according to the nature of the diverse tasks of the airline’s teams, with employee feedback playing a critical role in their designs to ensure practicality.

Summer uniforms feature mesh patches behind the knees for breathability, and reflective tape enhances visibility in dim environments.

Aligned with Korean Air’s sustainability efforts, the materials have been environmentally certified.

The winter jacket is made from Sympatex textile, which is recognised for its thermal insulation, waterproof and windproof properties. The material has received both Bluesign and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, two of Europe’s leading environmental certification labels for textiles. The eco-friendly fabric can be either recycled or naturally decomposed without emitting any toxic substances into the ground.

The airline says the new uniforms mark the first uniform overhaul for these teams in 38 years.

This initiative follows successful safety footwear upgrades for staff navigating airports, hangars and cargo terminals in May 2023.

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