British Airways is changing its uniform for the first time in 19 years, with options including a tunic and hijab for female cabin crew.

The redesign of the flag carrier's work attire was done by a British designer.

BA’s new cabin crew jumpsuit.

BA’s new cabin crew jumpsuit. Photograph: BA

Engineers and ground handler will be the first to be re-clad by the summer.

The airline has resisted following rival Virgin Atlantic in offering gender-neutral uniforms or a free choice for all, with male crew getting a tailored three piece suit with regular and slim-fit style trousers.

"Our uniform is an icon of our brand, something that will carry us into our future and help us deliver a great British original service for our customers."

This has been about our people since the beginning. With the help of over 1,500 colleagues, we have created a uniform collection that our people are proud to wear.

The air wave pattern used on the jackets, T-shirts, buttons and ties was inspired by the movement of air over an aircraft wing, according to the British Airways.

The new look was delayed because of BA's financial troubles during the coronaviruses epidemic. He shadowed workers in various roles to understand the requirements, with the uniform tested out discreetly on cargo flights and hangars in Manchester and the Cotswolds, and in deluge showers and freezers at -18C.

If you sign up, you'll get Business Today.

We will show you all the business news and analysis you need every morning.

Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The trials resulted in changes such as easy access tool pockets for engineers.

The uniforms were mostly made from sustainable fabrics that were signed up to the Better Cotton initiative, according to BA. The old uniforms will either be recycled or displayed in the museum.