Designed by Rajesh Pratap Singh the Uniforms are comfortable, sustainable, and playful made using recycled marine waste
Even before its first flight, Akasa Air the newest addition to India’s aviation industry, has made headlines. Reason?
Not only is India’s newest airline about to take off with the country’s greenest and youngest fleet, but it has also recently unveiled the first look of its crew uniform, which is unique.
On 4th July, Indian airline Akasa Air unveiled its cabin crew’s vibrant and sustainable uniform. The country’s newest airline is planning to replace pencil skirts, saris, and heels with a uniform that allows flight attendants to move freely.
Akasa Air Crew’s Uniform
When it comes to comfort and sustainability, Akasa Air's crew uniform is a clear winner
The uniforms, designed by Rajesh Pratap Singh, are inspired by the bandh gala (closed-neck) design. On the flight, Akasa Air flight attendants will wear black trousers, a snug jacket, and sneakers. The uniform is not only fashionable, but it is also environmentally friendly.
PET bottle plastic salvaged from marine waste is used to make recycled polyester fabric. Akasa Air crew’s uniform is made using this fabric. Stretchy material ensures comfort during hectic flight schedules.
The uniform is completed with sneakers designed by homegrown shoe brand Vanilla Moon. They are lightweight and have additional cushioning from heel to toe to support long periods of standing and walking. The sneakers’ soles are made of recycled rubber and contain no plastic.
Describing the inspiration behind the uniform, cofounder Belson Coutinho said, “Employee centricity and sustainability are going to be at the core of everything that we do at Akasa Air. We have designed a uniform in which our team feels both proud and comfortable as they direct their energy to ensure a warm, friendly, and efficient flying experience for all our passengers”.
In a press release, Akasa Air said, “The trouser and jacket fabric has been specially made for Akasa Air, using recycled polyester fabric which is made from pet bottle plastic salvaged from marine waste. The uniform fit focuses on providing the best possible stretch to ensure employees’ comfort over their flight schedules.”
This is not the first time an airline has prioritized comfort. SkyUp Airlines in Ukraine banned high heels and pencil skirts after receiving feedback from one of its employees. Nike sneakers, an oversized orange suit, and a silk scarf are now worn by flight attendants.
During the pandemic, two carriers, Iceland’s Play, and Italy’s ITA introduced uniforms that included sweaters and pants for men and women. Aero K, a South Korean domestic carrier, also adopted sneakers and T-shirts as uniforms.
Why not focus on making athleisure the epitome of airport style for flight attendants.
The smart-casual look was well-received and highly praised by Twitter users, who praised the company’s attention to employee comfort.
Many users also liked the uniform’s bright orange and red color combination. People loved the thoughtful approach of incorporating sneakers into the entire uniform and ditching the traditional heels.
People also thought it was revolutionary to prioritize the crew’s comfort over vanity. A user asked where they could get the same sneakers, and another described the move as defying stereotypes.
When will Akasa Airline launch?
Akasa Air is likely to be India’s next new airline. It received its first aircraft, a Boeing 737 Max, in June, with 71 more on the way. On Monday, July 4, the airline flew a ‘proving flight,’ which is essentially a simulation of an actual operational run, complete with (non-paying) passengers on board and crew on the ground. It will then wait for an air-permit operator before taking to the skies.
The airline plans to begin operations by the end of July this year. Akasa Air will be a low-cost carrier backed by billionaire investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. Former IndiGo President Aditya Ghosh serves on the airline’s board of directors.
Also read: P.E Nation Unveils New Winter Uniform for Virgin Australia’s Cabin Crew
