The esteemed national carrier, Air India, has acknowledged the receipt of valuable feedback concerning the newly unveiled cabin crew uniforms, centered around certain fabric issues. With a responsiveness to these observations, the airline, now under the ownership of the Tata Group, is poised to initiate the full-scale production of these uniforms after duly considering the insights shared, as conveyed by informed sources.
In December, the airline, under its new management, proudly launched the reimagined uniforms exclusively for the cabin and cockpit crew conceived by the illustrious fashion designer, Manish Malhotra. This was marked with significant celebration for those aboard the carrier’s A350 aircraft, showcasing a fresh image for the prestigious airline.
Upon addressing the media on the subject, an Air India spokesperson revealed on Monday that the comprehensive production schedule for the distinctive attire tailored to fit the entirety of its cabin crew, which amounts to over 8,000 members, is slated to commence in approximately a week.
The decision follows reports from individuals well-acquainted with the matter, suggesting that there have been noticeable concerns regarding the fabric quality, notably involving accelerated fading of the color. Another voice assured that the feedback being processed would be carefully factored into the imminent production phase for all crew members.
Air India, speaking on its next steps, confirmed, “The new uniform sizing and production programme for our over 8,000-strong cabin crew members will begin in about a week’s time. The new uniform will subsequently be distributed to the crew, aligned with the transition of Air India’s flagship A350 to long haul international service in the coming months.”
A particular emphasis was laid on the collaborative nature of the uniform design process in December. With Air India’s cabin crew representatives and in-flight services team actively partaking, an intensive testing exercise for the new designs was conducted to ensure practicality and comfort alongside aesthetics. Such engagement underscores the airline’s commitment to its personnel’s insights and suggestions, reinforcing the importance of employee satisfaction in delivering exemplary service.
The elegance of the uniforms was unparalleled, with the female cabin crew outfitted in an artisanal ready-to-wear ombre saree adorned with sophisticated patterns reminiscent of Indian heritage architecture, namely ‘jharokha’. This is further complemented by the Vista motif, the new Air India logo icon, and paired with a tailored blouse and blazer, capturing both heritage and innovation.
Not to be outdone, the cockpit crew was envisioned to don a classic black double-breasted suit that radiates professionalism and exudes timelessness. The attire is further accentuated by prints inspired by the Vista, conveying the seriousness and repute of the flying profession. This design held true to the promise of merging tradition with a future-forward ethos.
As Air India prepares to launch the uniforms universally amongst crew members, the move will streamline the visual identity of Air India staff globally, instilling a renewed sense of pride and brand connection as they interact with passengers from diverse backgrounds. The reinforcement of a fresh, standardized, and culturally rich uniform aligns seamlessly with Air India’s strategic overhaul as it steadily reasserts itself as a benchmark for excellence in aviation under the Tata Group’s visionary guidance.
