PCIAW® / INDUSTRY INITIATIVES
Better uniforms for life in the air.
A PCIAW® steering group connecting flame protection, thermal comfort and in-flight fit for aviation uniforms.
THE MANDATE
Aviation uniforms need to support crew across changing climates, cabin conditions and the physical demands of flying. Specifications must consider safety, garment performance and footwear together.
PCIAW® serves as the industry’s interpretative authority, establishing the technical validation framework needed to address cabin-crew flammability gaps, altitude-related fit issues and thermal requirements.
ON THIS PAGE
01 / RESEARCH ROADMAP
The group audits critical safety and performance gaps and mandates collaborative projects to deliver evidence-based frameworks for dedicated aviation uniform solutions.
01
Define protection for aviation.
The round tables identified a lack of specific international flammability standards for cabin crew despite the high-risk environment. The group will advocate for dedicated aviation product standards for flame protection in cabin crew and pilot uniforms.
Planned output
Aircraft Fire Risk & Protection Report
Planned research output
02
Support crews across climates.
Address heat stress and cold discomfort when crews work in contrasting climates, with implications for wellbeing and passenger safety. Develop a procurement toolkit for performance-based specifications in thermally challenging environments.
Planned output
Uniform Thermoregulation & UV Protection Guide
Planned technical guide
03
Design for in-flight fit.
Investigate altitude-related body and foot expansion, and where ground-based fit standards fall short in flight. Establish a technical benchmark for “in-flight swell” to inform adaptable footwear and stretch textiles.
Planned output
Altitude Displacement Audit
Planned technical audit
02 / THE EVIDENCE BASE
In 2025, PCIAW® chaired a global round table series to identify technical challenges in aviation uniforms. Discussions covered gaps in cabin-crew flammability requirements and the thermal demands of working across extreme temperature contrasts.
Those technical insights and the consensus across sectors informed the group’s roadmap. The group is now turning that foundational research into a pipeline of practical industry resources designed to standardise protection and improve employee wellbeing.
ROUNDTABLE INSIGHTS
From aviation challenges to practical uniform solutions.
TRAILER & FULL PODCAST
Watch the trailer, then register below to receive a link to the full Airline Clothing Show video podcast.
Flame protection · Thermal comfort · In-flight fit
Complete the registration form and PCIAW® will email your watch link. Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.
03 / LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE
Chair Nisha Muire connects aviation safety requirements with the development of high-performance uniform specifications, bringing direct experience of an airline uniform programme.
STEERING GROUP CHAIR
Manager, Uniform Program, Brand Management
Air Canada
Chairperson of the PCIAW® Uniform Buyers’ Network
11
VOTING MEMBERS MAXIMUM
A focused group. An end-user perspective.
Membership is capped at 11 voting members to support agile decisions and clear accountability, with representation from end users and the professional clothing value chain.
04 / TAKE PART
PCIAW® members can nominate senior leaders and technical experts for consideration.
The Chair reviews nominations to support representation across the value chain and from the end users who specify and wear aviation uniforms.
VALUE CHAIN & END USERS
Uniform expertise. Aviation experience. Shared standards.
Tell PCIAW® about your nominee’s organisation, technical expertise and proposed contribution. Mention the Airline Uniforms Steering Group in your enquiry.
Continue the wider industry conversation.
