A Different Kind of Aviation Runway, Celebrating and Showcasing Iconic Branding, Innovation, and Sustainability Style
WASHINGTON, D.C. (5 September 2025) – The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) announces the return of The Airline Clothing Show by PCIAW® at the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO 2025, co-located with FTE Global, taking place from 9 to 11 September 2025 in Long Beach, California. The second successful partnership between APEX and Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide (PCIAW®) will showcase the latest uniforms from leading global airlines will be showcased during the opening ceremony on 9 September. The runway show will highlight the critical role airline uniforms play in defining branding, conveying professionalism, and elevating the passenger experience.
As part of the broader EXPO event, this showcase will offer a dynamic visual of brand identity, style, and innovation complementing the EXPO’s focus on thought leadership, connectivity, inflight services, and other integral parts of the end-to-end passenger experience.
“This new feature provides airlines with an important opportunity to showcase how uniforms can reflect brand identity, meet passenger expectations, and incorporate more sustainable practices,” said APEX/IFSA Executive Director, Lauren Costello. “Our partnership with PCIAW® allows us to highlight the role uniforms play in the overall passenger journey, while complementing the many other initiatives featured at APEX/IFSA Global EXPO.”
In addition to the runway show, attendees can join thought leadership sessions focused specifically on airline uniform management. This new program will explore how uniforms reflect brand values, improve passenger perception through aesthetics, and enhance overall passenger experience via airline branding. Topics will also address sustainability in uniform design, inclusive sizing across diverse workforces, and leading digital sizing technologies to improve garment fit. Experts will share strategies for reducing return rates, eliminating excess stock, and securing circular solutions for uniform recycling. These sessions will add to EXPO’s wider agenda of more than 15 panels designed to inspire collaboration and innovation to further enhance the passenger experience.
Yvette Ashby, CEO of PCIAW® shared her enthusiasm stating, “The Airline Clothing Show by PCIAW® offers the world’s only dedicated platform that educates on unique needs of airline uniforms, offering knowledge sharing and networking opportunities with first access to innovative solutions and technologies to optimize and de-risk airline uniform programs. Uniforms are more than just clothing; they are a powerful visual representation of airline’s brand, conveying professionalism and a commitment to safety and service.”
To learn more about the runway show and the thought leadership sessions, visit https://pciaw.org/apex-exhibition/. For more information about APEX, visit apex.aero, sign up for the APEX Daily Experience e-newsletter, or follow APEX on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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About the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX)
As a global non-profit and one of the world’s largest international airline associations, APEX accelerates the industry with the backing of nearly every major airline and valued supplier. APEX reinvests all its resources to serving its members, strengthening the worldwide airline industry, advancing thought-leadership, fostering business opportunities via events, developing global initiatives, setting key airline standards, and highlighting well-deserved recognition across our industry. In conjunction with both the International Flight Services Association (IFSA) and Future Travel Experience (FTE), APEX serves the full spectrum of the end-to-end travel experience.