Rakesh Jhunjhunwala-backed Akasa Air unveils flight crew uniform featuring sneakers, recycled materials

Akasa Air crew uniform

Akasa Air, India's newest airline, today unveiled the first look of its airline crew uniform, becoming the first Indian airline to have introduced custom trousers, jackets, and sneakers for its airline in-flight crew. Rakesh Jhunjhunwala backed airline says that the uniform is inspired by the company’s core beliefs of employee centricity and sustainability. 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 busy flight schedules.

The crew dress is designed by Rajesh Pratap Singh, the jacket draws inspiration from the Indian bandh gala and is forward-looking in a modern version of the garment. Given the mobile lifestyle of crew members and long hours spent standing, Vanilla Moon designed sneakers that contain extra cushioning from heel to toe to ensure better support. The sole of the sneakers is carved from recycled rubber and manufactured without any use of plastic, said the brand.

#AkasaCrewLook | Comfortable, Eco-Friendly & Fun.
Presenting the all-new Akasa Air crew uniforms designed to keep our organisation’s core value of putting the comfort of our employees and the environment first. Read More: https://t.co/aAmFbywJIa pic.twitter.com/T9jmztMNb7 — Akasa Air (@AkasaAir) July 4, 2022

Belson Coutinho, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing & Experience Officer, Akasa Air, 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".

“These uniforms are a perfect amalgamation of style and sustainability and reflect Akasa Air's core values. From concept to the final outcome, it has been an exciting journey for me to work on these designs and present one of the most unique, sustainable and functional uniforms of our times,” said Rajesh Pratap Singh, who worked with Akasa Air to create the uniform.

Twitterattis are really happy with the decision and are rooting for this sustainable move by the airline. “No painful high heels for women! A welcome change,” a tweet read. “The sneakers and trousers are going to give them speed and comfort over heels and shorts or saree. Most useful in short-haul flights. Going to increase the efficiency of their staff. Glad to see that you chose convenience over anything else,” another tweet read.

"Perfect blend of comfort and elegance. The colour as well the design looks refreshing. The eco- friendly fabric has added the value. Since you have thought so much, I am sure you are confident that this attire will be moisture free and crew will be happy to wear it," another user tweeted.

Akasa Air received the delivery of its first Boeing 737 max aircraft in India on June 21. The airline is now gearing up for its commercial launch by the end of July. It will be conducting its proving flights in the first week of July to obtain the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) required for its commercial launch.

Akasa Air has placed an order of 72 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, powered by CFM fuel efficient, LEAP-1B engines and the airline promises to have greenest fleet in the Indian skies.