Expressing his honor on the occasion, Manish Malhotra, the designer behind the new apparel, said, “I am honored to have been given the opportunity to design the uniforms for Air India. It is a privilege to contribute to the national flag bearer and showcase the elegance and glamor of Indian fashion. My aim was to create uniforms that capture the essence of India’s diverse culture and traditions while embodying a modern and sophisticated look.”
The women’s cabin crew wear includes ready-made ombré sarees with intricate designs that reflect the architecture of Indian heritage, paired with a comfortable blouse and jacket. Senior flight attendants will wear ombré saris ranging from aubergine to burgundy, while younger crew members will wear vibrant red to purple ombré saris, embodying authority, sophistication, youth and energy. The flexibility of pairing a saree with comfortable trousers gives a unique East-West look.
Both male and female cabin crew uniforms have been developed in consultation with Air India cabin crew representatives, ensuring practicality and ease of movement during in-flight duties. The cockpit crew uniform, a classic black double-breasted suit with a print inspired by the new Air India logo, stands for professionalism and timelessness.
Malhotra also selected stylish yet comfortable footwear, including two-tone block heels for the flight attendants and black Brogues for the men. Uniforms, including pearl earrings and flight attendant bags, reflect meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Air India aims to redefine its crew image to align with the recent shift in its global brand identity towards a more confident, progressive and renewed India, the airline said.
In a statement, Campbell Wilson noted, “Air India’s crew uniforms are among the world’s most iconic in aviation history and we strongly believe that Manish Malhotra’s innovative ensemble will write an exciting new chapter in Air India’s future story. It perfectly captures the essence of our new identity, service principles and our drive to set new standards in global aviation.”
Sharing the news on his Instagram, the renowned designer wrote, “I am honored to have been given the opportunity to design the uniforms for Air India. It is a privilege to contribute to the national flag bearer and showcase the elegance and glamor of Indian fashion (sic).
He added, “My aim was to create uniforms that capture the essence of India’s diverse culture and traditions while embodying a modern and sophisticated look. By incorporating the signature hues that are symbolic of India, I hope that these uniforms will not only instill a sense of pride in the crew, but also leave a lasting impression on the guests, representing the warmth and hospitality that India is known for (sic).
