DELHI- For the past sixty years, Air India (AI) female cabin crew have adorned the traditional saree as their uniform, even during extended international flights and interactions with passengers.
However, HT has revealed that by the end of the year, Air India may introduce a more modern and contemporary attire for its crew. New uniforms, anticipated to be introduced by November, might no longer include the saree as a part of the crew’s wardrobe.
Air India New Crew Uniform
Designer Manish Malhotra, who is overseeing the new uniform, has refrained from making any comments due to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). However, officials who are informed about the development have revealed that the updated attire will still offer traditional choices.
“Churidars will be one of the options for women, and male crew members will wear suits,” mentioned an anonymous official. “The sarees may become less prominent, and when I say this, I mean they might be completely removed from the set of uniforms.”
Another official suggested that sarees might not be entirely eliminated. “The airline was presented with various options, including ready-to-wear sarees that resemble sarees but are not draped in the traditional manner. However, the management has not yet finalized these options.”
Showcasing Indian Culture
The new attire might not sit well with saree enthusiasts, as the saree has experienced a significant resurgence in recent years.
Instagram hashtags like #nineyards or #sareetwitter have gained popularity, with dedicated accounts featuring women who comfortably wear sarees in their daily lives and workplaces.
Until 1962, the female crew members of the airline wore skirts, jackets, and hats. The idea to have them wear sarees came from the late JRD Tata, and the initial sarees were procured from Binny Mills.
Reflecting on the bygone era, a former cabin crew member who retired from Air India in 1972 remarked, “We were trained to drape sarees correctly, and all of us enjoyed working in our uniforms.”
Vistara Crew to Follow
The initial source mentioned that the uniform’s colors would align with the airline’s updated livery, featuring deep red, aubergine, and gold shades.
Furthermore, he stated, “Following the merger, the Vistara cabin crew will adopt the same attire as Air India’s.”
During a rebranding event on August 10, the airline’s CEO and managing director, Campbell Wilson, announced that the new livery would debut on the A350 aircraft, with the first delivery anticipated next month.
The second official indicated that the new crew uniforms would be introduced following the A350‘s delivery.
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