In-built video cameras and air quality sensors and barometers feature in engineer uniforms
Low cost European airline, easyJet, has unveiled a world first in airline uniforms on its 20th birthday by incorporating wearable technology into cabin crew and engineers’ uniforms to improve communication and passenger safety procedures.
This is the latest innovation from the airline which is always at the forefront of technology, from being one of the first airlines to launch online booking in 1998 to introducing aircraft inspections by automated drones earlier this year, and provides an exciting glimpse of things to come for airline uniforms, easyJet claimed.
easyJet will start wearable tech uniform user trials early in 2016.
On engineer uniforms, in-built video cameras are being used to allow for remote diagnosis of technical issues along with surround sound and a microphone for instant communication capability, and air quality sensors and barometer features have been added to help engineers monitor their work environment and create a map of air quality in different cities for passengers’ information. Also, LEDs have been placed in jacket hoods to illuminate work areas and leave both hands free for aircraft inspections and maintenance, multiple reflective laser cut decoration has been added to aid visibility on the air field.
Wearable tech on cabin crew 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, and LEDs in ground staff jacket cuffs to help with aircraft movement on the ground.
For this latest innovation the airline teamed up with leading fashion tech company CuteCircuit, a global provider of interactive fashion responsible for many groundbreaking ideas using smart textiles and micro-electronics. Recent collaborations include work with the likes of U2, Katy Perry and Nicole Scherzinger. CuteCircuit worked closely with easyJet cabin crew and engineers to analyse their everyday movements and design uniforms best suited to their needs.
Tina Milton, head of cabin crew at easyJet, commented: “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.”
While Ian Davies, engineering director at easyJet, added: “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.”
CuteCircuit’s Francesca Rosella, chief creative director and co-founder, 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. The uniforms unite fashionable style with novel functionalities, increasing safety and communication with passengers to create a truly unique inflight experience. We designed with the crew needs in mind and are looking forward to starting trials in 2016.”
