3 hrs ago
PIA Unveils New Uniforms Amid Calls for Deeper Reforms
Pakistan International Airlines has introduced new clothes for its flight crews.
The uniforms use green and grey-blue colors and were designed with help from Pakistani fashion designers.
The airline says this is part of improving its public image.
Many people online liked or discussed the designs, but others criticized the decision.
They said PIA should first fix its planes and improve cleanliness and service.
Some comments mentioned uncomfortable seats, poor restroom facilities, missing entertainment, and a lack of blankets and pillows.
PIA is also facing money problems and higher fuel costs.
Because of these problems, it has reduced discounts and changed or suspended some flights.
Pakistan International Airlines unveiled redesigned crew uniforms after a decade as part of an image makeover.
The uniforms use deep forest green and soft grey-blue, with distinct styles for male and female crew members.
The designs drew input from several Pakistani fashion designers, including Maheen Khan, Deepak and Fahad, and Nomi Ansari.
Online users criticized PIA for prioritizing uniforms while citing problems with aircraft, cleanliness, service, reliability, and passenger comfort.
The cash-strapped airline has cut discounts, reduced or suspended routes, and capped some Gulf services while managing rising fuel costs.
- Who
- Pakistan International Airlines, its crew, Pakistani fashion designers, and online commenters.
- What
- PIA unveiled new crew uniforms but faced criticism that it should prioritize aircraft, service, cleanliness, and operational improvements.
- Where
- The uniforms were introduced by Pakistan International Airlines; the article also mentions affected services to the UAE, other Gulf countries, Beijing, and Kuala Lumpur.
- When
- The uniforms were unveiled at a gala event earlier this month; the crew uniform had not been refreshed for a decade.
- Why
- PIA presented the uniforms as part of an image makeover, while the airline is also responding to rising jet-fuel costs and potential losses.
Prioritize Core Operations
Improve the Airline's Image
Purpose of the uniform redesign
Prioritize Core Operations
Critics said PIA should focus first on aircraft condition, reliability, passenger comfort, cleanliness, staff professionalism, and service quality.
Improve the Airline's Image
PIA presented the redesigned uniforms as part of an image makeover after the crew uniform had remained unchanged for a decade.
Cosmetic change versus fundamental reform
Prioritize Core Operations
Online commenters described the uniforms as a cosmetic change and called for improvements such as better seats, clean kitchens, functioning washrooms, entertainment screens, blankets, and pillows.
Improve the Airline's Image
The airline used prominent Pakistani designers and introduced coordinated new styles for male and female crew as a visible improvement to its presentation.
Key facts
- Uniform colors
- Deep forest green and soft grey-blue
- Men's uniform
- Tailored jackets, crisp trousers, and patterned ties
- Women's uniform
- Fitted waistcoats, matching trousers, scarves, and matching caps
- Design contributors
- Designers including Maheen Khan, Deepak and Fahad, Generation, Ismail Farid, Munib Nawaz, Deepak Perwani, Faraz Manan, Amir Adnan, HSY, and Nomi Ansari
- Fleet change
- PIA added three planes to its fleet weeks before unveiling the uniforms
- Flight restrictions
- Flights to the UAE were capped at 16 per week, while some Gulf, Beijing, and Kuala Lumpur services were suspended temporarily
- Privatization
- A 75% stake was sold in December 2025 to a consortium led by the Arif Habib Group for PKR 135 billion ($482 million)
Quotes
PIA Facebook user
A user commenting on PIA's Facebook post
“How about fixing aircraft, seats cushioning , clean kitchen that has no cockroaches in your fridge , cleaning, water in washroom, provide entertainment screens, provide blankets and pillows, and mindset”
NDTV
“Focus on improving aircraft, service quality, customer experience, and staff professionalism before redesigning crew uniforms.”
NDTV
Sources
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