Air India unveils fashion-forward crew uniforms crafted by Manish Malhotra

Air India, unveiled its much anticipated, brand-new collection of uniforms with designer Manish Malhotra 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 of Air India 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.

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 the 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, the junior female cabin crew will wear vibrant red-to-purple ombré sarees combined with red blazers, embodying youthfulness and energy.

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. Uniforms are not only crafted for the pilots and cabin crew but also for ground staff, engineers, and security personnel, which will be revealed in due course. Malhotra has also curated footwear that blends style and comfort. The female cabin crew will wear dual-tone (black and burgundy) block heels, and the male cabin crew will wear black Brogues. The uniforms include pearl earrings and sling bags for the female cabin crew. 

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.”

Manish Malhotra said: “I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to design the uniforms for Air India. 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.