Manish Malhotra to design Air India crew’s new outfit, saree uniforms likely to be phased out: Sources

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Air India is contemplating a change in the uniforms of its female cabin crew. For the last 60 years, flight attendants have donned sarees, a traditional Indian outfit. However, the national carrier may soon opt for modern attire, abandoning the saree, a source within the airline has revealed to the Hindustan Times.

Air India's new wardrobe is expected to be unveiled by November 2023, according to the insiders who chose to remain anonymous. While Manish Malhotra, the designer reportedly tasked with updating the uniform, refrained from making any comments due to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), officials acquainted with the matter have revealed to HT that other traditional alternatives such as churidars are under consideration. Men are expected to continue wearing suits.

A second official within the airline hinted that sarees might not be completely eliminated from the uniform choices. The source indicated that ready-to-wear sarees, designed to resemble traditional ones without requiring intricate draping, were among the options put forth for consideration. Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights! Click here! The airline's history with the saree stretches back to 1962 when the decision to switch from skirts, jackets, and hats was initiated by the late JRD Tata.

Female crew members who served during that era reminisced about how they took pride in their uniforms and were trained to drape sarees correctly. Another insider confirmed that the colour scheme of the new uniforms would align with Air India's new uniform, featuring shades of deep red, aubergine and gold. Following the merger with Vistara, the new attire is expected to be adopted by