Akasa Air: India's First Airline To Have Its Crew Uniform Made From Recycled Marine Waste

This year marked the start of the first Indian airline to introduce aviation uniforms produced entirely from recycled marine waste. Akasa Air is India's newest airline, a start-up carrier supported by successful investor and businessman late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. It launched in July this year. The impressive news is that they were all over the internet before launching. The reason is their successful accomplishment of being the first airline whose aviation uniform suppliers followed sustainability in spirit and form while creating the airline uniforms. 

Akasa Air makes tailored trousers and jackets from recycled polyester fabrics. These fabrics are obtained from pet bottle plastic derived from marine waste. The crew is also provided with comfortable sneakers made of the same material by the uniform manufacturers. These uniforms are made by bringing sustainability and fashion together while having the leisure of comfort and functionality during their work hours. 

Specially Curated Crew Uniforms

Most of the time, aviation uniform suppliers intend to create a uniform that looks formal and serves the profession's purpose. Akasa Air took the initiative to be different but simultaneously used the opportunity to create something beneficial for the planet. These specially designed crew uniforms by designer Rajesh Pratap Singh forgo the usual fashion statement of wearing skirts and heels and instead replace them with comfortable trousers and sneakers. With the introduction of jackets, trousers, and comfortable sneakers, Akasa Air is an achiever of something new and a winner in the sustainability concept. 

The uniforms designed for the crew members take inspiration from the bandh gala. These crew uniforms are comfortable and, at the same time, innovative and elegant and are entirely eco-friendly. These uniforms are made from recycled polyester fabrics and have a stretchy material that ensures comfort during busy flight schedules where the crew members must work long hours. Breathable fabrics were prioritized when designing these uniforms, and the aviation uniform manufacturers achieved it. Akasa Air's co-founder Belson Coutinho described the inspiration behind the uniforms as keeping the crew members in mind. The team's pride and comfort while ensuring a warm, friendly flying experience for the passengers were a big inspiration while creating these uniforms.

Stylish and Comfortable Sneakers

The airline has chosen a fun, practical, and stylish look not only for jackets and trousers but also with the design of the sneakers. The sneakers are designed for work hours where the crew members have to stand for a long time. So comfort is the most critical consideration in the design. These chic and stylish-looking sneakers are also made from the same recycling waste.

They are designed by Vanilla Moon, which is a famous footwear brand. These sneakers are light in weight and come with extra cushioning from heel to toe to support long hours of busy schedules. The sole of the sneakers is crafted from recycled rubber without using any plastic materials in the manufacturing. These sneakers, along with their best support and comfort, also provide absolute contemporary fashion aesthetics for the crew members.

Sustainability as an Essential Factor

It has been evident in recent years that recycling is a practice that every person around the world should practice. While most of them acknowledge this, they seldom follow it. The fashion industry has considered this and extensively tried to include and normalize sustainable fashion. Clothing from sustainable materials can be easily made without impacting natural materials. While the emergence of sustainability is essential, it needs more awareness due to various factors. One main facet is being expensive, something only some can obtain. However, initiatives like the one implemented by Akasa Air could be a stepping stone to the world of sustainability. They could slowly be more accessible to everyone soon. 

According to Akasa Air, "The fabric used for the uniforms has been specially made for Akasa Air. Recycled polyester fabric, made from pet bottle plastic salvaged from marine waste, is used. The uniform fit focuses on giving the best possible stretch to ensure the comfort of the employees over their busy flight schedules". In this regard, sustainability is used to provide not only uniforms with recycled materials but also comfort and ease to the workers who wear them. Thus, it proves that sustainability is essential for the world's future. By coming forward from reputed and esteemed organizations, it could get more acceptance by most of our population.

An Initiative for the Future

Akasa Air is not the first case where an airline prioritized the comfort of their employees and changed the overall look of the uniforms. This was first carried out by SkyUp Airlines. This Ukrainian carrier discontinued wearing pencil skirts and heels after receiving a complaint from a staff member. Other carriers have launched comfort wear like sweaters and pants for both men and women. But it is a new initiative in the Indian airline scenario, which could inspire many future airlines. 

Akasa Airline bought its first aircraft, a Boeing 737 Max, in June. Currently, 72 aircraft are either part of its fleet or on their way. The crew uniforms are a perfect blend of style, sustainability, uniqueness, and proper functionality, which is the epitome of change. Hopefully, more airlines and others in the hospitality industry will get inspired and move towards sustainability at the core of their staff uniforms.