Easyjet, a leading European airline, is celebrating its 20th Birthday. The company revealed flashy new uniforms for engineers and cabin crew to mark the occasion. The new uniforms include wearable LED lights. The company says that the uniforms will help improve communication and passenger safety procedures.
The company boasts that it has been at has kept at the forefront of technology. Easyjet said it was one of the first to launch online booking in 1998. This year, the company introduced aircraft inspections performed by automated drones.
While the new uniforms are flashy, they are also apparently functional.
The new LED-embedded uniforms for the cabin crew feature LEDs on the shoulders, and illuminated hems offer additional lighting in an emergency. A mesh of LEDs on jacket lapels acts as a display for important information such as destinations and flight numbers. LEDs in the jacket cuffs of ground staff can reportedly aid in directing aircraft movement on the ground. The engineer uniforms include LEDs in jacket hoods for hands-free illumination of work areas during inspections and maintenance. Also, reflective, laser-cut decorations aid visibility on the airfield.
The engineer uniforms also have built-in video cameras for remote diagnosis of technical issues. Surround sound and a microphone can enable instant communication. Included air quality sensors and a barometer allow engineers to monitor their work environment and create an air quality map of different cities for passengers.
Easyjet turned to fashion technology company CuteCircuit whose designs were featured prominently in Katy Perry and U2 concerts. Easyjet cabin crew and engineers worked closely with CuteCircuit to analyze their work routines and design uniforms best suited to their needs.
Tina Milton, Head of Cabin Crew for 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.”
Ian Davies, Engineering Director for easyJet, commented, “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.”
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. 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.”
Easyjet intends to start trials of the new uniforms in 2016.
