Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has chosen fashion designer Hassan Sheheryar Yasin, known as HSY, to create its new cabin crew uniforms. On Thursday, the airline unveiled the designs and confirmed that crew members will wear them from October 31. The collection aims to blend Pakistani identity with comfort and practicality for long-haul flights.
According to PIA, the uniforms feature breathable fabrics, structured tailoring and designs that allow comfortable movement. Moreover, the airline developed the collection with long-haul durability and crew ergonomics in mind. As a result, the new outfits will make their debut aboard PIA’s newly acquired Dreamliner during its inaugural flight from London to Islamabad.
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Meanwhile, HSY’s selection followed a competitive showcase in Karachi, where several leading Pakistani designers presented their collections. These participants included Maheen Khan, Deepak and Fahad, Generation, Ismail Farid, Munib Nawaz, Deepak Perwani, Faraz Manan, Amir Adnan and Nomi Ansari. The showcase gave the airline several fashion collections to consider before making its final choice.
To assess the entries, a panel of fashion and industry professionals evaluated the competing designs. The judges included Khaadi founder and chief executive Shamoon Sultan, couturier Nilofer Shahid and stylist Nabila. In addition, Hina Tayyaba Khalil, vice-chancellor of the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design, joined the panel. PIA aviation veteran Naseem Tehrani, who has 33 years of experience, completed the judging team.
Historically, PIA has worked with prominent fashion designers to shape its cabin crew image. For instance, French designer Pierre Cardin created the airline’s recognised A-line tunic and hood in 1966. Later, during the 1970s, British royal couturier Sir Hardy Amies also contributed to PIA’s fashion history. Together, these collaborations helped define the airline’s distinctive appearance over the decades.
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Yasin said designing uniforms for Pakistan’s national airline meant representing national pride and Pakistani hospitality. He explained that his team wanted crew members to feel confident and comfortable while working. He also said the collection respects Pakistani heritage while incorporating modern fashion.
The new uniforms will enter service on October 31, beginning with the Dreamliner’s London-to-Islamabad inaugural flight. PIA has not provided further details about the rollout across its wider cabin crew. The launch marks another chapter in the airline’s effort to refresh its public image through locally designed uniforms.