Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is preparing to introduce a new uniform for its cabin crew and onboard staff, replacing the design that has been in place for nearly ten years. The airline announced this change as part of a move to honor its traditions while embracing fresh creativity, with the new attire crafted by some of Pakistan’s top designers.
This update coincides with PIA entering a new era following the transfer of management control to PIA Equity Limited, led by the Arif Habib consortium, which took effect on June 29. Currently, PIA Equity Limited owns a 66.67 percent stake in the airline, while PIA Holding Company Limited retains the remaining 33.33 percent.
Throughout its history, PIA’s uniforms have symbolized more than just clothing; they have mirrored the airline’s identity, Pakistan’s evolving fashion trends, and its aspirations to compete globally. The airline’s uniform designs have undergone numerous transformations since the 1950s, with documented changes during the periods 1954-56, 1956-60, 1960-66, 1966-75, 1975-86, 1986-2003, 2004-16, and from 2016 onwards.
One of the earliest notable uniforms, introduced in 1956, was a collaboration between Pakistani designer Laila Shahzada and Chausie Fountainer, an American of French descent. This design featured a green shirt with white cuffs and collar paired with a white shalwar and dupatta, complemented by black shoes, handbags, and a distinctive green cap. It was significant for incorporating elements of Pakistani national dress as PIA expanded internationally.
Between 1960 and 1966, designer Feroze Cowasji made adjustments, including shortening the dupatta. A visual record from the 1960s shows a female flight attendant in this era’s uniform alongside a male crew member wearing the 2016 design.
In a landmark development, French designer Pierre Cardin created a new uniform in 1966. The summer ensemble was fawn-colored, while the winter version was moss green. The outfit featured a short A-line tunic, slim trousers, and a uniquely shaped dupatta, which quickly established PIA’s fashionable image globally. This uniform remained in use until 1975 and helped cement the airline’s international reputation.
Following this, British designer Sir Hardy Amies, known for dressing Queen Elizabeth II, crafted a striking uniform in 1975. It incorporated purple and magenta kameezes with embroidered fronts, green shalwars, and printed dupattas inspired by Pakistani village folk attire. Accessories included black bags and leather sandals. This design was introduced early in 1975 and was worn until 1986.
In 1986, Pakistani designer Nahid Azfar introduced a uniform that leaned more towards traditional shalwar kameez styles, featuring seasonal color variations and a Mughal-inspired sleeveless waistcoat for winter. This design served the airline for 17 years until 2003.
PIA unveiled another uniform in 2004 and later adopted the current design in 2016. The 2016 update aimed to recapture some of PIA’s former glamour by involving 16 designers in a fashion event. The winning women’s uniform was designed by Nomi Ansari, while Sania Maskatiya created the scarf and apron. Other designers contributed to menswear and accessories. The present women’s uniform features plum-colored trousers, a shirt, and a cap with a stylized PIA Urdu logo, complemented by a turquoise headscarf adorned with a flying-birds motif.
Now, after about a decade, PIA is set to retire this look. This change is particularly meaningful as the airline seeks to reinvent itself under new management. Alongside the uniform update, PIA has announced plans to expand its London flights from four to seven weekly departures starting October 27, with five flights from Islamabad and two from Lahore.
Whether the new uniform will restore the allure once associated with PIA remains uncertain. However, the airline’s history demonstrates that its crew attire has always been more than functional wear. From the early green-and-white outfits to Pierre Cardin’s internationally acclaimed creations and the vibrant designs by Pakistani fashion icons, the uniforms have consistently conveyed PIA’s image and ambitions.
The forthcoming design will not only replace a decade-old uniform but will also add a new chapter to the rich fashion heritage of Pakistan’s national airline.
