Malaysia Airlines chooses songket for new ground staff uniform

Malaysia Airlines' new ground staff uniforms features the songket. — GISELE SOO/The Star

Malaysia Aviation Group, which runs Malaysia Airlines, has a new look for its AeroDarat Services (ADS) ground crew, and it's looking chic and spiffy.

The update in uniform is part of the company’s efforts in embracing diversity and transforming itself to be even better.

The new set of uniforms are in navy blue, and feature one of Malaysia's iconic crafts, the songket. Focusing on modernity, the tailored ensemble – consisting of a blazer, a shirt and skirt or pants for women, and for the men, a Nehru-collared shirt and trousers – symbolises MAG’s unwavering commitment to providing quality service, and its professionalism, while celebrating Malaysia's vibrant culture. The outfits for women are interchangeable, meaning one can choose to wear either the pants or skirt, and there is also a hijab in the same colour for those who wish to wear it.

According to MAG group managing director, Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, the uniform was designed in-house by creative young minds.

“This flexibility also ensures that the team can perform their duties with confidence, pride and warm hospitality. We aim to deliver the unique essence of Malaysian Hospitality. This is deeply ingrained in our DNA and into every facet of our operations, ensuring that our guests continue to experience the familiarity and warmth that defines our brand,” he said during the launch of the new uniform at the Terminal 1 of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport recently. The event was graced by Her Royal Highness Tengku Permaisuri Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Hajah Norasikin.

Female staff members can choose to wear either the skirt or pants; a hijab in the same colour is also available. — Malaysia Aviation Group

To complement the sophisticated and elegant appearance, handbags and clutches made from the old kebaya and batik uniforms have also been designed. The inside pocket of the bag is lined with the old kebaya, while the exterior is made from the repurposed batik.

MAG group chief customer experience officer Lau Yin May said that the ground crew bags are part of ADS’s ongoing "Reimagined Project", which focuses on sustainability efforts.

“With sustainability being one of the core values in everything we do, we have repurposed the previous iconic batik uniform by transforming it into these functional and practical accessories for daily use. This not only provides convenience for our ground crew but also celebrates our historical journey to be where we are today.”

Handbags and clutches made from repurposed batik and kebaya are also part of the ensemble. — Malaysia Aviation Group