On Tuesday, Air Asia announced a new effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect its passengers by having all of its crew wear in-flight PPE (personal protective equipment) suits. The suits, a custom design by Los Angeles based Filipino designer Puey Quiñones, are made of breathable fabric that comes in a vibrant red, adding a little pizazz to the uniform while representing the airline’s signature color.
Photo: pueyquinones/Instagram
Air Asia Debuts Red-Hot PPE Suits for Crew Members
“I like that it’s chic and sporty — similar to what F1 race car drivers wear. This fusion of fashion and safety will define the new standards of flying today,” Sheila Romero, Air Asia’s majority stakeholder, told ABS-CBN, adding that the PPE is comfortable, serving its purpose without being too thick or voluminous. The sturdy, yet light, material has been approved by the Philippine Department of Health.
The trendy protective gear debuted on April 24, on a recovery flight from Manila to Bangkok, and will be worn on all future flights when the airline resumes business. “The new normal. Thank you @sheilaromero for the trust,” Quiñones wrote in an Instagram post. 