NEW DELHI— Air India Express (IX) has introduced new uniforms for its cabin crew and frontline employees, with the updated attire entering service across its network from September 1, 2026.
The rollout covers teams responsible for passenger-facing operations, including cabin crew, airport services, aviation security and flight operations.
The new Air India Express uniforms form part of the airline’s broader brand transformation and extend its “Tales of India” identity from aircraft liveries into everyday passenger interactions.
The designs combine contemporary airline workwear with references to traditional Indian textiles and crafts from five states.
Air India Express’ New Uniforms
Air India Express has built the new collection around its Xpress Blue brand colour, with Xpress Orange used as an accent.
The combination is intended to create a consistent visual identity across aircraft, airports and onboard services while maintaining the carrier’s distinctive appearance.
The designs draw inspiration from Tamil Nadu’s Kanjeevaram, Himachal Pradesh’s Pattu, Gujarat’s Patola, Assam’s Gamosa and Madhya Pradesh’s Bagh. These influences appear through patterns and design details rather than replicating traditional garments directly.
For female cabin crew and frontline employees, contemporary silhouettes inspired by the traditional kurti are paired with tailored jackets, scarves and pocket squares.
The approach gives the uniforms a modern corporate appearance while retaining visible connections to Indian textile traditions.
Cultural Design Inspired by India’s Stories
The uniform project expands the airline’s “Tales of India” initiative, which has previously featured distinctive aircraft tail art based on indigenous Indian art, crafts and cultural heritage.
Air India Express has used the initiative to connect its visual identity with different regions and cultural traditions across the country.
The new uniforms translate that concept into passenger-facing roles, where employees represent the airline throughout the travel journey.
The collection therefore creates a visual link between the carrier’s aircraft designs, airport presence and onboard experience.
Air India Express has also considered operational requirements alongside the cultural elements. The uniforms use banana crepe fabric, which the airline says provides comfort, breathability and durability for employees working through demanding operational environments.
In-House Design for Air India Express
Air India Express designer Pooja Krishnan led the design of the women’s cabin crew uniforms, as well as outfits for airport services, aviation security and flight operations personnel.
The airline said her involvement provided an understanding of the practical requirements faced by frontline employees.
The men’s cabin crew uniform was developed in collaboration with Trent Limited. Together, the designs are intended to provide a consistent appearance across different operational teams while accommodating the distinct requirements of their roles.
Sunil Suresh, Head of Marketing, E-Commerce and Loyalty at the Air India group, said the uniforms were designed to reflect the energy, professionalism and warmth of frontline teams.
He described the collection as a combination of cultural authenticity, comfort and functionality.
The rollout gives Air India Express a refreshed visual identity at a time when the airline continues to evolve its aircraft, service and customer-facing operations.
The new uniforms also provide a direct extension of the cultural themes already established through its aircraft tail-art programme.
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