MAB Chief Executive Officer Peter Bellew said the kebaya , is “very popular” and will remain unchanged although uniforms for personnel in other departments will be “getting a through refresh”, The Malaysian Reserve reported.

Saying that the work on the new uniforms has been “a very good job”, Bellew added that he expects the new collection to be unveiled by the end of the year.

In May, MAB had announced a strategic partnership with local fashion house Farah Khan to re-energise the design aesthetic of the national carrier’s iconic kebaya and other uniforms.

Through the partnership, a new design wil be created for the full range of uniforms of various departments of the airline, including its flight deck, cabin crew, airport and engineering outfits.

Malaysia Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Paul Simmon was quoted then as saying that the national carrier was creating a fashionable and functional new collection.

However, the comment from Bellew will likely mean that there was no new design for the cabin crew.

The Malaysian Reserve reported some industry observers as saying that the decision to retain the kebaya could mean that the total rebranding of the airline which was announced earlier has taken a back seat with MAB possibly focussing on its operating efficiency and retaining some of the brand’s original charm.