easyJet, Europe’s leading airline, 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.
LONDON, 2015-11-12 — /Travel PR News/ — This is the latest innovation from the pioneering 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.
Wearable tech features being trialled include:
Cabin crew uniforms
- 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
Engineer uniforms
- LEDs in jacket hoods to illuminate work areas and leave both hands free for aircraft inspections and maintenance
- Multiple reflective laser 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 sensor and barometer features to help engineers monitor their work environment and create a map of air quality in different cities for passengers’ information
For this latest innovation the airline teamed up with leading fashion tech company CuteCircuit, a global leader in 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 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 will start wearable tech uniform wearer trials early in 2016.
For further information please contact the easyJet Press Office on 01582 525252 or log ontowww.easyjet.com
Notes to Editors
|
Uniform |
Light features |
Comms tools |
Other |
|
Cabin crew |
Illuminated hem LED lapel Reflective material |
Audio microphone |
|
|
Engineer |
LED hood Reflective material |
Video streaming |
Barometer and air quality sensors |
About CuteCircuit
Internationally-known fashion house, CuteCircuit, has been pushing the boundaries of wearable technology since its launch in 2004. A global leader in interactive fashion, CuteCircuit has introduced many ground-breaking ideas to the fashion world by integrating new beauty and functionality through the use of smart textiles and micro-electronics. CuteCircuit is headquartered in Shoreditch, artistic heart of London, where the Creative Director Francesca Rosella, and CEO Ryan Genz are the design duo behind all of CuteCircuit’s amazing creations.
About easyJet:
easyJet is Europe’s leading airline offering a unique and winning combination of the best route network connecting Europe’s primary airports, with great value fares and friendly service.
easyJet flies on more of Europe’s most popular routes than any other airline. easyJet carries over 68 million passengers annually, of which around 12 million are travelling on business. easyJet flies over 240 aircraft on more than 780 routes to over 130 airports across 33 countries. More than 300 million Europeans live within one hour’s drive of an easyJet airport.
easyJet aims to be a good corporate citizen, employing people on local contracts in seven countries across Europe in full compliance with national laws and recognising their trade unions. The airline supports a number of local charities and also has a corporate partnership with UNICEF which has raised over £6m for the most vulnerable children since it was established in 2012.
The airline takes sustainability seriously. easyJet invests in the latest technology, operates efficiently and fills most of its seats which means that an easyJet passenger’s carbon footprint is 22% less than a passenger on a traditional airline, flying the same aircraft on the same route.
Innovation is in easyJet’s DNA – from our launch almost 20 years ago when we changed the way people fly to the present day where we lead the industry in digital, web, engineering and operational innovations to make travel more easy and affordable for our passengers.
SOURCE: easyJet.com
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easyJet unveils world first in airline uniforms by incorporating wearable technology into cabin crew and engineers’ uniforms