Ao dai in yellow and blue will replace the red uniform of Vietnam Airlines cabin crew. -- Photo doisongphapluat.com

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — National carrier Vietnam Airlines (VNA) has introduced a new uniform for its pilots and cabin crew after 15 years of using the red ao dai (traditional Vietnamese long dress).

The new uniform will be worn by staff on several flights from March 3 to 9 to gather feedback from passengers and the public.

The hostesses serving the business class will wear a yellow dress, while those serving the economy class will wear blue. The uniforms for pilots and male flight attendants will also see a change in material and cloth that has a 3D pattern.

A Vietnam Airlines representative told VnExpress.com that the new materials meet aviation safety standards, such as prevention of heat and cold; they do not catch fire easily and create a feeling of comfort for the wearers during the longer flights.

The dress was designed by a team of designers, headed by well-known Vietnamese designer Minh Hanh, who specializes in ao dai.

The new VNA uniforms have aroused discussion in the public, as well as among the firm's staff.

New dress of male flight attendants.

Kieu Anh, a hostess for VNA said the new ao dai have not been stitched according to the cabin crew's measurement, but in sizes of S, M, L.

"This style can only be beautifully worn when the wearer has a standard body type. If the wearer is a little thin or slightly plump, it does not appear flattering and brings out the weaknesses in the wearers' physical attributes."

Stylist Long Ao Dai pointed out that the new ao dai's low collar is not sensible as it will not keep the hostesses, who always work at a low temperature on the plane, warm and will impact their health in the long term.

"To keep themselves warm around the neck, they will have to put on a scarf—and doing so will mar the uniform's beauty," said Long.

Meanwhile, Miss Viet Nam Ngoc Han praised the new uniform.

Han, who is also a fashion designer, said she felt the new ao dai design is elegant and fashionable.

"As a designer, I think the design will bring a revolution in technology–because we had previously made ao dai following the wearers' measurement, but now it has been made on an industrial scale with standard sizes," said Han.

"I like the meaning imparted by the new cloth; as for the hostesses, the uniform's pattern is styled as a lotus, which represents vitality and elevation."

On social media, Nguyen Thu Anh wrote that the ao dai's collar is beautiful and luxurious, but the cap looks rather hard. The airline should also not use dress colour to differentiate the staff serving the business and economy classes. It will be more proper if it is changed once during the week.

A new set of uniforms for pilots and cabin crew are currently under a trial programme. Designers are welcoming feedback that is both for and against the change. However, it is hoped that the new change in uniform will be accompanied by improved services for VNA passengers. — VNS