Brussels Airlines launches New York Ambassadors

Tomorrow, 1 June 2012, the day is finally here when Brussels Airlines flight SN 501/502 will connect Brussels Airport with New York JFK for the very first time. A historic moment that will be highlighted by the new look of the Brussels Airlines frontline staff who are in daily contact with customers.

As well as the comfortable new cabins on board, the brand new Brussels Airlines uniform will also undoubtedly capture passengers’ attention. About 100 Brussels Airlines employees will swap their traditional blue and white uniform for a red-hot eye-catching number, as well as carry a bag with the words “I’ll Take Manhattan”. The bag, carried loosely on the arm, provides a clue as to who they are: the airline’s New York Ambassadors! These New York Ambassadors have all volunteered to promote the very first scheduled transatlantic Brussels Airlines route when they come into contact with passengers daily across the Brussels Airlines network

To create the contemporary design of the new uniform, Brussels Airlines collaborated once again with leading Belgian fashion house, Xandres. A true quality label, Xandres has been a loyal partner of the airline for over a decade.

The airline has opted for a modern, elegant and trendy design with a nod to the glamorous early years of aviation. The challenge in designing the uniform was huge, as in addition to being comfortable and pleasing to the eye, it was important that, above all, the uniform be a functional work outfit.

The new uniform is easily recognised and stands out in a crowd thanks to the striking red colour which clearly exudes passion. There is also an iconic red trench coat, as well as a scarf designed in a dark and light blue vortex print - a flow of elegance fluttering in the wind which brings to mind a direct link to aviation. Red patent leather shoes, designed by Belgian label Carmi, and the “I’ll Take Manhattan” handbag, complete the look.

In addition, Belgian label Bellerose has designed a red three-quarter sleeve cardigan that will soon be available to all female frontline staff. The men’s uniform has also been revamped with a new cut and the tie now features a contemporary design created by Bellerose. The shoes, a Belgian design created by Ambiorix, are made from sustainable materials.

In addition to the Brussels-New York JFK route, the New York Ambassadors will also fly on other routes, and have a presence on the entire Brussels Airlines network of over 70 destinations, stretching from Kinshasa to Tel Aviv and from Moscow to Porto.

“From now on, our employees are not only ambassadors of Brussels Airlines but also of New York and of Belgian fashion, as the uniforms are 100% made in Belgium,” says Brussels Airlines Uniform Development Manager, Marc Schoonjans.

Brussels Airlines purchases about 1,100 vests, 1,200 pairs of trousers, 850 skirts, 4,600 blouses and 1,100 scarves for its female employees, as well as 5,000 shirts, 800 vests and 1,600 pairs of trousers for its male staff annually.

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About Brussels Airlines

Brussels Airlines is the Belgian airline that offers the widest choice of flights to and from the capital of Europe, Brussels Airport. The company has more than 3.500 employees and 52 aircraft that operate some 300 punctual flights daily, connecting the Capital of Europe to over 70 premium European and African airports and New York JFK.

On its European routes, operated with AVRO, Boeing 737, and Airbus A319/A320, Brussels Airlines offers the choice of a premium service at a very high level (“b.business”), an ultra-flexible product, which offers time-saving and comfort at reasonable prices (“b.flex economy+”) and a low fare product (“b.light economy”). On medium- and long-haul flights, the airline operates traditional business or economy class. Long-haul flights are operated with Airbus A330-200 and A330-300 aircraft.
In addition to 21 destinations in Africa, Brussels Airlines and its intercontinental partners also offer long-haul service to the United Arab Emirates, China, Thailand, India and North America.
Brussels Airlines is owned by SN Airholding and is backed up by more than 80 years of aviation experience in Belgium. In June 2009, Lufthansa announced its interest in the management structure and capital of the Belgian airline. Brussels Airlines has been a member of the global airline alliance Star Alliance since 9 December 2009.