Malaysia Airlines showcases iconic ‘Sarong Kebaya’

Malaysia Airlines is celebrating 50 years of its iconic Kuala Lumpur-London route with a special showcase of its timeless ‘Sarong Kebaya’ uniforms.

This ‘Heritage in the Skies’ campaign will run from 3 to 16 November 2024, featuring cabin crew in six distinct Kebaya designs on select flights, along with a unique exhibit at KL International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1, allowing passengers and visitors a closer look at the airline’s evolution.

Malaysia Airlines honouring tradition

The ‘Heritage in the Skies’ campaign reflects Malaysia Airlines’ commitment to its legacy of Malaysian Hospitality.

Lau Yin May, Group Chief Branding and Customer Experience Officer of Malaysia Aviation Group, explained, “This campaign is more than a celebration of 50 years of service.

It’s a tribute to our nation’s spirit, a proud showcase of our cultural heritage, and our enduring commitment to exceptional service.”

She added, “As we honour this milestone, we embrace the unity and pride that define our nation.”

The Kebaya uniforms, introduced in 1963, have become synonymous with the airline’s identity.

The initial design featured a chilli red sarong with a traditional kutu baru bodice and nine pleats, blending elegance with cultural authenticity.

Over the decades, the uniforms evolved to mirror Malaysia’s diversity, with each design iteration highlighting distinct Malaysian patterns, colours, and motifs.

For instance, the 1972 Kebaya introduced vibrant batik elements, while the 1986 version incorporated the Sarawakian kelarai weave, a craft inherited through generations.

The current design, first introduced by Italian fashion house Gherardini in 1992, was updated with deeper pink and purple hues, showcasing bamboo and kelarai motifs, along with floral patterns of champak, jasmine, and hibiscus.

Celebrating Malaysian Hospitality

Passengers flying on selected Malaysia Airlines flights will witness the elegance of the Sarong Kebaya firsthand, experiencing a rich part of Malaysia’s heritage.

Additionally, the KLIA exhibit, running from 3 to 14 November 2024, brings this history to life, offering travellers an immersive experience in the cultural essence that defines the airline’s service.

Beyond the in-flight experience, Malaysia Airlines is inviting passengers to capture and share their moments via social media.

Fujifilm Instax photo prints will be available for passengers on select flights, and visitors to the KLIA exhibit can snap pictures with the uniformed crew.

To enter the campaign’s social media contest, passengers simply need to share their photos with the hashtags #malaysiaairlines and #heritageintheskies, tagging Malaysia Airlines for a chance to win two round-trip tickets between Kuala Lumpur and London.

This tribute to Malaysian culture and heritage not only celebrates Malaysia Airlines’ legacy but also strengthens the airline’s commitment to building lasting connections with passengers.

For more information on this campaign and to book your next journey, visit the official Malaysia Airlines website.