Qantas Airways has selected iconic Australian boot maker R.M.Williams to help showcase its brand new Pilot’s uniform.
The uniform, created by esteemed Paris based Melbourne designer Martin Grant, will be unveiled later this month at a runway show in Sydney and will feature R.M.Williams’ signature boots—favoured by Qantas pilots for decades for their comfort and durability.
As part of the show, Qantas pilots will take to the runway in Martin Grant’s brand new design, complete with a pair of the iconic Craftsman boots. It is the first new pilot uniform for 13 years and follows the new-look cabin crew uniform launched in 2013.
Grant, whose celebrity clientele include Cate Blanchett and Lee Radziwill, selected the boots to finish his designs for their professional and practical offering, and says they’ll bring an additional, unique Australian element of style to the uniform unveiling:
“Qantas was founded in the Australian outback and like the airline, R.M.Williams has grown to become a highly-regarded contemporary brand that is flying the flag internationally for Australia. We are excited to be working with them,” says Grant.
Qantas Chief Pilot Captain Dick Tobiano says R.M.Williams boots have been tried and tested on long and short-haul flights.
“Many of us have been wearing R.M.Williams since our early flight training days,” says Tobiano.
“They mould to the feet and the boots are exceptionally comfortable—whether seated in the cockpit, or walking around the aircraft in all kinds of weather conditions.”
R.M.Williams CEO Raju Vuppalapati adds:
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Qantas. We believe there is a wonderful synergy between R.M.Williams and Qantas, with both brands taking renowned Australian quality and service to a global audience. R.M.Williams looks forward to Qantas pilots wearing our iconic one piece of leather, Australian made boots around the world.”
The new Qantas pilot uniform, featuring R.M.Williams Craftsman boots, will be unveiled during an exclusive runway show in Sydney on April 29, 2016.
About Qantas Airways
Founded in regional Queensland in 1920, Qantas is one of Australia’s most iconic brands and has played a central role in the development of the Australian and international aviation industry. Today, the Qantas Group is a diverse global aviation business, comprising Qantas Domestic, Qantas International, the Jetstar low-cost carrier group and Qantas Loyalty. The Qantas Group carries 47 million passengers each year and employs more than 30,000 people.
About R.M Williams
Established in 1932 in outback Australia, R.M.Williams has developed a world-renowned reputation for its high quality handcrafted footwear and apparel. An icon in Australia, the brand has a growing international following and is sold in more than 15 countries around the world.