Air India, the renowned airline, is contemplating a significant change in the attire of its female cabin crew. For the past six decades, the airline’s flight attendants have been adorned in elegant sarees. However, a more contemporary wardrobe might make its debut as early as November, marking a departure from this long standing tradition.
The proposed uniforms will incorporate churidars for female cabin crew members and sleek suits for their male counterparts. Fashion maestro Manish Malhotra is rumored to be the designer behind this transformation, although he has remained tight-lipped about the details due to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). This shift could potentially redefine the image of Air India’s crew members and may even influence other airlines, such as Vistara, post-merger.
The transition from sarees to churidars for female cabin crew and suits for male attendants signifies a departure from the time-honored uniform style. An unnamed official has hinted that the traditional sarees might eventually be phased out entirely. While alternative options like ready-to-wear sarees resembling traditional ones were considered, they have not yet received final approval from the airline’s management. This change underscores a shift towards more contemporary and comfortable attire for the airline’s crew members.
The new uniforms are expected to be characterized by deep red, aubergine, and gold shades, reflecting Air India’s distinctive identity. Additionally, it has been suggested that Vistara, following its merger with Air India, may also embrace these fresh uniform designs. The introduction of these uniforms represents a significant transformation in the appearance and identity of Air India’s cabin crew.
Air India’s CEO and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, has revealed that the airline’s fresh look will coincide with the arrival of the new Airbus A350 aircraft, anticipated in October or November. However, it’s important to note that Air India has not issued an official statement regarding this matter, leaving room for further developments and confirmations. This change comes as part of the airline’s broader strategy to revamp its image and stay competitive in the aviation industry.
The tradition of Air India’s female cabin crew wearing sarees dates back to 1962 when JRD Tata made the decision to replace the previous uniform of skirt, jacket, and hat with the iconic six-yard saree. Initially sourced from Binny Mills, these sarees have become synonymous with Air India’s distinctive style. Over the years, flight attendants have had the choice between the iconic saree and a tunic with pants in matching colors, offering flexibility in their uniform selection.