Air India. (Photo: Air India)
Air India says the crew’s new uniform perfectly captures the essence of the airline’s new identity
Private carrier Air India on Tuesday unveiled its new collection of uniforms for its cabin and cockpit crew. The new uniforms, designed by Manish Malhotra, will be introduced in a phased manner over the next few months, starting with the entry of service of Air India’s first Airbus A350 aircraft.
“The female cabin crew attire features a ready-to-wear ombré saree with intricate patterns reminiscent of Indian heritage architecture (jharokha) and the Vista (new Air India logo icon), paired with a comfortable blouse and blazer. The ready-to-wear sarees can be optionally worn with comfortable pants, which provides greater flexibility to female cabin crew to choose the style they most identify with and brings a unique East-meets-West look,” it said.
Air India added that the ombré sarees for the senior female cabin crew will be aubergine-to-burgundy, combined with aubergine blazers, exuding a balance of authority and sophistication. Conversely, junior female cabin crew will wear vibrant red-to-purple ombré sarees combined with red blazers, embodying youthfulness and energy.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Air India, said, “Air India’s crew uniforms are amongst the world’s most storied in aviation history, and we firmly believe that Manish Malhotra’s innovative ensemble will script an exciting new chapter for Air India’s future narrative.”
The crew’s new uniform perfectly captures the essence of the airline’s new identity, among others, he said.
Manish Malhotra said, “My aim was to create uniforms that capture the essence of India’s diverse culture and traditions while also embodying a modern and sophisticated look. hues that are symbolic to India, I hope that these uniforms not only make the crew feel proud but also leave a lasting impression on the guests, representing the warmth and hospitality that India is known for.”
The new uniform designs, Air India claimed, were developed in close consultation with its cabin crew representatives and the airline’s In-flight services team, who also conducted an extensive testing exercise for the new designs. The cockpit crew’s uniform features a classic black double-breasted suit with a print inspired by the Vista, signifying professionalism, timelessness, and the gravitas of the flying profession.
Malhotra has also curated footwear that blends style and comfort, the airline said, adding the female cabin crew will wear dual-tone (black and burgundy) block heels, and the male cabin crew will wear comfortable black Brogues.
