Maria Imran 
PIA new uniforms
PIA new uniforms are preparing to give its cabin crew a fresh look, but its new crew uniforms have also reopened a bigger debate: should the airline focus on appearance or fix the problems passengers say they face? The new design, selected from concepts presented by 10 Pakistani designers, is due to enter service on October 31, 2026.
HSY design to debut on London flight for PIA new uniforms
PIA have chosen fashion designer Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY) to create the final uniform design. The first flight of the airline’s newly acquired Boeing 787 Dreamliner will be from London to Islamabad and the outfits will be put to the test for the journey.
The uniforms are equipped with a “soft, breathable fabric and structured tailoring that is engineered to last a long way and move with ease,” the airline states. The designs are available deep forest green and soft grey-blue. Men’s suits consist of fitted jackets, patterned trousers and matching ties; women’s suits include fitted waistcoats, patterned trousers, scarves and caps.
After holding a uniform showcase in Karachi in September, 10 designers and fashion houses have been chosen for the final selection. They felt that Maheen Khan, Deepak and Fahad, Generation, Ismail Farid, Munib Nawaz, Deepak Perwani, Faraz Manan, Amir Adnan, Nomi Ansari and HSY were all included.
Why are people criticising the new look?
The reshaping has been criticised on social media and people wonder why a change in their wardrobe should be considered more important than the service itself, while others are still concerned. A range of comments were mentioned in the media that included improved aircraft maintenance, reliable service, cleaner aircraft, comfortable seats, working entertainment screens, adequate washroom supplies and staff behaviour.
Others ridiculed the design itself. One of the commentators rejected it with the comment, “ChatGPT could have done better.” Other comments questioned the importance of having new clothes for passengers rather than courteous staff and reliable service.
The answer indicates that fashion isn’t the only issue at stake. Uniforms alone can help redefine an airline’s image for travellers, but they have no direct impact during delays, in the cabin, or on customer experiences.
A fashion legacy, and higher expectations
PIA has been around the block with designer uniforms. French designer Pierre Cardin created its well-known A-line tunic and hood in 1966. The new change comes after a uniform period of approximately 10 years, for which designs were created by Pakistani designer Nomi Ansari and utilized for approximately 12 years.
The national carrier was designed under the theme of capturing our collective pride and the true spirit of Pakistani hospitality, said HSY. While the new uniforms might give PIA a fresh look, it will be up to the passengers on board to build trust. The makeover will last its value with better uniforms that improve appearance, but punctual flights, clean cabins, safe aircraft and respectful service will give lasting value.
