‘Awesome': Airline's surprise uniform move

News.com.au

2 days ago

Bangkok Airways has broken tradition by allowing flight attendants to ditch heels and flat shoes for a pair of fashionable sneakers as part of their uniform.
The Thai-based airline which won 'World's Best Regional Airline' at the 2025 Skytrax awards, is setting a new standard in modern aviation while also addressing the needs of cabin crew and ground personnel who often spend hours standing, walking and assisting passengers.
It partnered with PUMA to give employees the option to wear the custom-made trendy sneaks in a move it says is about 'prioritising employee health and wellbeing'.
'This marks another significant milestone as Bangkok Airways joins hands with PUMA, a leading global sports brand, to co-create a special sneaker collection for frontline staff under the concept 'BE THE FIRST MOVE FOR BETTER TOGETHER',' Amornrat Kongsawat, sales and acting vice president at Bangkok Airways said.
She said it 'perfectly' combines lifestyle and functionality and is inspired by PUMA's popular 'ROMA' sneaker model, manufactured from 30 per cent recycled materials.
'The beautiful and modern design reinforces the identity of 'Asia's Boutique Airline' that is Friendly, Stylish, Reliable and ready to deliver travel experiences filled with Enjoyment.'
Cabin crew have wasted no time showing off their fresh new kicks in several TikToks.
'Changed to wearing sneakers to serve now,' one flight attendant wrote while modelling her white and blue sneakers.
'It's so awesome. I can walk without my feet hurting anymore,' another cabin crew said.
Many were quick to jump into the comments section to weigh in on the new look.
'So cool, smart, and super agile,' one viewer wrote.
'Awesome, they really care about their employees.,' said another.
A third added: 'We think that wearing it with pants like this really goes well together.'
The stylish white and blue sneakers match perfectly with the airline's uniform which includes light blue pants and skirts for women and black pants for men.
Pornthip Wanichnoppara who is the country manager at PUMA Sports (Thailand), said the collaboration is not just about launching the first Bangkok Airways x PUMA special sneaker. The collection reflects the brand's commitment to being an innovation leader in footwear that perfectly combines modern design with practical functionality.
@natthew.ntp คล่องตัวเลเวล 100 😬 #Bethefirstmoveforbettertogether #BangkokAirways #PGXPUMA ♬ 原声 - 柴柴小八嘎
'This elevates the wearing experience to new heights for every journey, meeting the lifestyle needs of today's wearers who live vibrant and colourful lives,' Ms Wanichnopparat said.
The airline added that allowing frontline staff to wear sneakers while on duty marks a 'significant step' in enhancing service standards in Thailand's aviation industry, prioritising employee health and wellbeing as part of its sustainable approach to service excellence.
Other airlines that allow staff to wear sneakers include Dutch airline KLM, SAS (Scandinavian Airlines), Finnair and Eurowings who also partner with Puma.
@natthew.ntp ใส่ผ้าใบไปบินได้แล้วค้าบ ✈️👟 w/ @Minkchanis.R @พิ้งพิชชา #Bethefirstmoveforbettertogether #BangkokAirways #PGXPUMA ♬ 오리지널 사운드 - SuGaR
Meanwhile, in March female flight attendants from Korean Air requested the airline allow them the option of sneakers after campaigning for more practical uniforms.
'Flight attendants in the cabin take over 15,000 steps a day and work on their feet for more than 14 hours,' the unionised Korean Air flight attendants said in a statement, according to local reports.
'However, our uniforms and shoes were designed without any consideration for our working environment.'
According to The Korean Times, the flight attendants responded to Korean Air's claim that the current uniforms give the company 'dignity', saying: 'an unhealthy and unsafe uniform cannot dignify the company.'
A Korean Air official told The Korean Times that the company is aware of the flight attendant's request, but it will take time before any changes are made to the uniform, as the airline has yet to complete its merger with Asiana Airlines.