Dutch carrier KLM is changing its uniform policy, and that includes the option of more comfortable footwear.
KLM launches sneakers for employees
As of May 6, 2024, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will allow employees to wear sneakers as part of their uniform. This includes all frontline staff, from pilots, to flight attendants, to ground agents. Employees will be able to wear their own sneakers (which must meet certain requirements), or they can buy sneakers developed especially for KLM, designed by Filling Pieces.
KLM describes this decision as being intended to improve well-being among employees, and it’s in response to the demand for more comfortable work shoes. KLM has been allowing sneakers to be worn as a trial for some time, and a senior purser for the airline describes this policy change as follows:
“In the past year, I have been able to test sneakers as a sustainable part of my uniform. After years of the classic look of pumps, I now wear sneakers with great pleasure! They give me a good start towards a good flight!”
This uniform policy change reflects the times
KLM is far from the first airline to introduce more flexible footwear options for employees. This is an area where we’ve seen the most innovation from “playful” low cost carriers primarily targeting younger staff, though we’ve also seen some legacy airlines follow that lead.
For example, in 2023, Finnair began allowing all of its staff to start wearing sneakers, so it’s not surprising to see the airlines that are headed in the same direction.
Admittedly this largely reflects the cultures of the home countries of these airlines. I doubt you’ll see such a policy change at Japan Airlines or Singapore Airlines anytime soon, but I’m not surprised to see something like this at many airlines in Northern Europe and Western Europe.
Personally I’m in favor of this, though I’m also a millennial, and basically spend my entire life in athleisure clothing. What matters most to me is that airline employees are comfortable, and can therefore be their best at work.
Bottom line
KLM is modernizing its uniforms standards, and will allow all staff to start wearing sneakers. They can either wear their own sneakers (within certain parameters), or buy company branded sneakers. This is a trend we’ve seen at some airlines, though KLM is among the first legacy airlines to head in this direction.
What do you make of KLM allowing staff to wear sneakers?
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