However, unlike Jet Airways which recently hired high-profile designer Ravi Bajaj to tailor new uniforms for its staff, AI will do things differently. The new uniforms will be ``self-designed,'' says the airline, by the cabin crew themselves. ``The uniforms will be designed by the cabin crew. They are the ones who wear the uniforms, and they know what looks best on them,'' said an official spokesperson for AI.

AI's uniform change comes after a decade. The concept of a self-designed uniform besides being innovative will save the cash-strapped airline any extra cost. AI, which is borrowing heavily to meet even working capital requirements, is unwilling to pick up a designer's heavy tab to get the uniforms done.

The expense will also be kept low as AI provides a fresh set of uniforms to its cabin crew regularly every two years. This time round, the old uniforms will simply be replaced by newones.

Though the two base colours and design of the new uniform are being kept under wraps, AI will not digress from the traditional Indian image. No drastic change will be made in the uniforms with the airline sticking to the venerable sarees and salwar kameez for the air hostesses. The uniforms' design though will bear the imprint of the next millennium.

AI's air hostesses currently sport printed silk sarees in twin shades of blue and orange.

Cabin crew uniform forms a significant part of an airline's brand image. Singapore Airline's mascot, Singapore Girl, is known by her distinctive sarong, just as much as British Airways is identified with its navy blue-clad cabin crew.