2 days ago
Pakistan Airlines Uniform Makeover Draws Criticism Over Delays and Service
Pakistan International Airlines showed new uniforms that will be used in 2026.
Nine Pakistani designers helped create or present the designs.
The airline said the uniforms represent fashion and the future of flying.
Many Pakistanis online were not impressed.
They said passengers care more about flights arriving on time.
Some also want better aircraft, more destinations and working air conditioning.
PIA was partly privatized last December.
The winning group paid PKR 135 billion for 75 percent of the airline.
Pakistan International Airlines presented a 2026 uniform showcase featuring nine Pakistani fashion designers.
The airline described the designs as combining fashion, functionality, identity and purpose.
Pakistanis on X criticized PIA for emphasizing uniforms instead of punctual flights, aircraft and service.
Critics raised concerns about delayed or indirect routes, aging aircraft and possibly malfunctioning air conditioning.
Pakistan sold a 75 percent stake in PIA for PKR 135 billion in December last year.
- Who
- Pakistan International Airlines, nine Pakistani fashion designers and Pakistani passengers commenting online.
- What
- PIA held a showcase for proposed 2026 uniforms, prompting criticism about the airline's delays and service.
- Where
- The reaction came primarily from Pakistanis online, following a video shared on X.
- When
- The uniforms are intended for 2026; PIA's 75 percent stake was sold in December last year.
- Why
- PIA promoted a fashion-focused makeover, while critics said operational improvements should come first.
PIA's Promotional Case
Critics' Operational Concerns
Purpose of the makeover
PIA's Promotional Case
PIA said the showcase brought together fashion, functionality, identity and purpose to present the future of its uniforms.
Critics' Operational Concerns
Critics said changing uniforms does not address the airline's underlying service and operational problems.
Priority for improvement
PIA's Promotional Case
The airline highlighted Pakistani fashion designers and a refreshed public image.
Critics' Operational Concerns
Passengers and commentators called for punctual flights, new aircraft, better engineering, more destinations and reliable air conditioning.
Value after privatization
PIA's Promotional Case
The uniform initiative came after the sale of a 75 percent stake, which the article describes as a major privatization milestone.
Critics' Operational Concerns
Critics argued that the airline should use its post-privatization period to improve planes, routes, systems and reputation rather than focus on appearance.
Key facts
- Airline
- Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
- Uniform showcase
- New PIA uniforms planned for 2026
- Designers
- Deepak and Fahad, Generation PK, Ismail Farid, Munib Nawaz, Deepak Perwani, Faraz Manan, Amir Adnan, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin and Nomi Ansari
- Privatization stake
- 75 percent of PIA
- Winning bid
- PKR 135 billion
- Buyer
- A consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation
- Main criticism
- Passengers want more reliable flights, better aircraft, expanded routes and improved onboard services
Quotes
Shakeel Jalil
A Pakistani analyst commenting on PIA’s operational priorities and ownership context.
“What is the uniform supposed to do until new aircraft actually arrive? Rebuild engineering. Overhaul operations. Then worry about marketing. Meanwhile the ageing Al-Habib group carries the real weight while Fauji Foundation just keeps getting fatter”
theprint.in
“This is so sick. Can’t wait for an impeccably dressed air hostess in a Faraz Mannan designer uniform to tell me my flight has been delayed indefinitely”
theprint.in
Brown Swedish
An X user urging PIA to improve aircraft, destinations and direct services.
“Somehow you guys put the focus on the wrong end of improvement. Focus on having a good aircraft with more destinations, including Stockholm and direct flights. I would be more than happy to pay a little extra to avoid travelling with transit”
theprint.in
Sources
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