Air India has unveiled its new uniforms for cabin and cockpit crew, as part of the carrier’s revamped brand identity following its acquisition by Tata Group last year.
The new clothing has been designed by Indian celebrity couturier Manish Malhotra, and includes ombré sarees and bandhgalas for cabin crew, and double-breasted suits for pilots.
Junior female crew will sport ombré sarees in “vibrant red-to-purple”, matched with red blazers, while senior crew will wear sarees in aubergine-to-burgundy, combined with aubergine blazers.
There will be the option to wear the sarees with trousers, which Air India said “provides greater flexibility to female cabin crew to choose the style they most identify with and brings a unique East-meets-West look”.
Meanwhile cockpit crew will wear new black double-breasted suits, featuring “a print inspired by the Vista, signifying professionalism, timelessness, and the gravitas of the flying profession”.
Accessories include dual-tone black and burgundy block heels, pearl earrings and sling bags for female crew, and black brogues for male employees.
The uniforms will be phased in over the next few months starting with crew on the carrier’s first A350-900 aircraft – the first of which is expected to be delivered before the end of the year.
Malhotra has also designed uniforms for Air India’s ground staff, engineers, and security personnel, with these set to be unveiled “in due course”.
Earlier this year Air India unveiled its new livery and brand identity featuring a chakra-inspired pattern and a custom-made ‘Air India Sans’ font.
In February the carrier announced record orders for 470 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and a US$400 million refurbishment of existing widebody fleets is set to start in 2024
Commenting on the news Campbell Wilson, chief executive officer and managing director, 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. It perfectly captures the essence of our new identity, service principles, and our pursuit of setting new benchmarks in global aviation.”
“Air India has been in the world’s spotlight for some time. We are confident that our new crew uniforms will rise to the heightened expectations, distinctly making a statement that defines the very best of Indian heritage and hospitality. Travellers across continents will be able to instantly recognise these uniforms as the new Air India.”
