easyJet has linked up with an interactive fashion design business for new uniforms which will have wearable technology built in.
Trials for the new uniforms will take place early next year. Cabin crew and engineers will have a different outfit with embedded wearable tech specific to their roles.
The outfits are designed by Cute Circuit.
The launch of the uniforms came as part of easyJet's 20th anniversary celebrations this week and was positioned along the lines of being the "latest innovation from the pioneering airline which is always at the forefront of technology."
The images are quite impressive, with a suitably futuristic feel.
However, the practical advantages of the wearable technology are fairly basic. The cabin crew outfit will have built-in LED lights to provide extra lighting in an emergency and an inbuilt microphone to improve communications between cabin crew members.
Clearly the theory and practice of smart clothing and its application within the aviation sector is in its infancy and will develop over time. Other airlines, particularly those flying long-haul where there is more interaction between passengers and crew, might be the ones to fully exploit this untested technology.
Having said that, the benefits for the easyJet engineers are much more concrete, including some features which connect to the buzz surrounding the internet of things.
So "in-built video cameras to allow for remote diagnosis of technical issues, along with surround sound and a microphone for instant communication capability" should improve the efficiency of the maintenance routines.
This could lead to a quicker resolution of issues around a plane "going tech" which is good for passengers and the airline. So smart clothing can help airlines in this operational context - the benefits for passengers remains to be seen.