As the budget airline celebrates 20 years of service, it announces a 2016 trial of new “wearable tech” uniforms for both cabin crew and engineers.
The design of the clothing has been created in partnership with leading fashion tech company Cute Circuit, a trend-setting organisation that has worked with the likes of Katy Perry and U2 in using smart textiles and micro-electronics for stage performances.
For cabin crew, features of the uniforms include:
- LEDs on shoulders and illuminated hems to provide additional lighting in an emergency
- LEDs on jacket lapels displaying important information like flight numbers and destinations
- In-built microphones to improve communication between the crew, pilots and passengers
- LEDs in ground staff jacket cuffs to help with aircraft movement on the ground
Meanwhile, uniforms for engineers will sport:
- LEDs in jacket hoods to illuminate work areas and leave both hands free for aircraft inspections and maintenance
- Multiple reflective lasers cut decoration to aid visibility on the air field
- In-built video cameras to allow for remote diagnosis of technical issues along with surround-sound and a microphone for instant communication capability
- Air quality sensors and barometers to help engineers monitor their work environment and create a map of air quality in different cities for passengers’ information
Ian Davies, engineering director for Easyjet, said: “With features like the LED hood and video streaming and communications capability these amazing designs offer very practical solutions for engineers working on the ramp whilst enhancing safety at the same time.”
Tina Milton, head of cabin crew for Easyjet, said: “Our crew’s primary concern is for the safety of all passengers so it is really exciting to be working on this pioneering new technology which could transform the capability of our uniforms, helping crew to be more easily identified in an emergency as well as helping them to provide great service to passengers.”
Francesca Rosella, chief creative director and co-founder of CuteCircuit, said: “We are excited to be working with Easyjet in creating the future of aviation. The cabin crew uniforms and engineers’ uniforms represent cutting-edge developments in wearable technology, and are a first in the aviation industry.”