Origins

What we´re made of

Origins

AUK Protection was founded in 2011 by two Swedish helicopter pilots as a reaction to the lack of quality in pilot equipment. For them, it was very personal, driven by serious grievances they experienced firsthand in their demanding profession.

Always responsible for peoples’ lives and limbs, accountable for ridiculously expensive equipment. People who fly for a living are highly specialized multi-taskers who need to be alert at all times. Our view is that everyone benefits to keep these men and women safe, snug and alert while on the job.

Origins

Heavily inspired by User Centered Design, scientific research and high performance fabrics, we went into live prototyping with various aircrews throughout Scandinavia.

More than a decade later, we provide garments and accessories for men and women of the air. Based on our core values – safety, comfortability, functionality and style – we develop high performance garments designed for the unique working conditions or our trade. It’s still very personal.

USER CENTERED DESIGN

Origins

Our main product designs are the result of extensive prototyping in collaboration with active aircrews. We’ve mapped out everything from behavioral patterns to stress factors associated with in-flight or maintenance tasks.

Our garments are cut to perform exceptionally when seated or in crouching position. They are highly breathable and allows for instant climate adjustment. There are no excess fabrics, nothing that obstructs your movement or vision. Snags and nuisances are squared away with, and storage pockets are angled for quick and hassle-free access.

COMMITMENT TO EXELLENCE

The Founders

Michael Elmeskog and Johan Baumann met during their professional careers in the helicopter industry. From the very beginning, it was evident that they shared the same work philosophy, along with a strong commitment to quality, safety, and professionalism.

At present time, both have accumulated over 20 years of experience as helicopter pilots. Their careers included a wide range of assignments, from firefighting and tower construction to heliskiing, film productions, and various types of rescue operations. These diverse experiences took them across much of Europe and to regions such as Kashmir, Tajikistan and Greenland, giving them unique insight into the challenges and demands of operating in varied and often extreme environments.

Throughout their years in the field, Michael and Johan developed a deep understanding of the needs of helicopter operators and the limitations of the equipment available at the time. They recognized that, to work safely and efficiently, pilots and crews required equipment that was not only reliable but also designed with real-world operational conditions in mind.

Driven by this insight and their shared vision, they decided to establish AUK Protection, a Swedish company dedicated to supporting professionals in the helicopter industry. From the outset, they were committed to producing their clothing and equipment within Europe, ensuring the highest quality standards and ethical production practices. Their goal was to create solutions that directly address the practical needs of helicopter crews – equipment that enhances safety, functionality, and performance in demanding situations.

Today, AUK Protection reflects Michael and Johan’s decades of experience, combining hands-on knowledge, technical expertise, and a dedication to supporting their colleagues in the field. Their journey from experienced pilots to founders embodies a strong dedication to continuous improvement and to providing practical solutions that meet the highest standards of safety, reliability, and European quality.