• Air India cabin crew to don Manish Malhotra-designed ombré sarees and bandhgalas
• New uniforms will debut with Air India’s first Airbus A350 entering commercial service
GURUGRAM, 12 December 2023: Air India, India’s leading global airline, today unveiled its much anticipated, brand-new collection of uniforms for cabin and cockpit crew, marking the
arrival of a new age of inflight couture.
Crafted by Indian celebrity couturier, Manish Malhotra, in his Mumbai atelier, the new uniforms
feature an array of colours and timeless designs. The collection mirrors a rare, harmonious blend of rich Indian heritage and aesthetics with 21st-century style, elegance, and comfort.
The new uniforms 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.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & 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.”
Malhotra’s take on modern Indian style complements Air India’s recently unveiled new global
brand identity as the flag-bearer of a more confident, progressive, and resurgent new India.
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.
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.
Manish Malhotra said: “I am honored to have been given the opportunity to design the uniforms for Air India. It is a privilege to be able to contribute to the national flag-bearer and showcase the elegance and charm of Indian fashion. 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. By incorporating quintessential 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 hallmark technique of ombrés is a signature attributed to Malhotra, reflecting his deep-
rooted fondness for traditional attire and gradients. The color palette of the new uniforms
comprises deep red, burgundy, aubergine, and accents of gold, paying homage to India’s rich
cultural heritage.
The well-fitting uniforms for both male and female cabin crew are practical and suited for them
to perform in-flight duties with ease of movement. The new uniform designs were developed in
close consultation with Air India’s 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, allowing each step to
resonate with the grace and poise inherent in Air India’s sartorial overhaul. The female cabin
crew will wear dual-tone (black and burgundy) block heels, and the male cabin crew will wear
comfortable black Brogues. The uniforms include pearl earrings and sling bags for female cabin
crew.
“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,” Campbell Wilson said.
Malhotra has meticulously crafted uniforms not only for Air India’s cabin crew and pilots, but
also ground staff, engineers, and security personnel, which will be revealed in due course.
Sustainability and quality have been the cornerstones of the design and production process of
these new uniforms. All fabrics and garments are proudly sourced and tailored in India.
About Air India:
Founded by the legendary JRD Tata, Air India pioneered India’s aviation sector. Since its first
flight on October 15, 1932, Air India has built an extensive global network with non-stop flights
to cities across the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Far-East, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Gulf.
After 69 years of operating as a government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express
were welcomed back into the Tata group in January 2022.
Air India is navigating through a major five-year transformation roadmap under the aegis of
Vihaan.AI, with an ambition to become a world-class airline with an Indian heart. The first phase
of the transformation, the ‘taxi phase’ was recently concluded, and focused on fixing the basics.
It included bringing back to service many long grounded aircraft, addition of talent across flying
and ground functions, rapid upgradation of technology, and strengthening of customer care
initiatives, amongst others. A member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium of
leading international airlines, Air India offers seamless connectivity and facilities to passengers
all over the world.
