The latest technology being talked about is wearable technology – just think Google Glass or Sony Smartwatch and you’ll get an idea of what this technology is all about! And Virgin Atlantic is the first airline to take advantage of these innovations, announcing trials taking place at London Heathrow. In addition, the airline has reported that they will disclose their findings and discuss the lessons learned at FTE Europe 2014 (3rd-5th March), exclusively.
The first major trial of wearable technology, by Virgin Atlantic, will be in the Upper Class Wing at Heathrow where all concierge staff will be using either Sony Smartwatches or Google Glass in order to provide a personalised yet high tech passenger experience. The trial is to take place over a 6-week period; Upper Class passengers, upon arrival, will be greeted by airline staff who will be able to immediately start the check-in process using the new technology, complete with the latest information, i.e. information about their destination and flight updates.
The Google Glass and the Sony Smartwatch 2 will be integrated with a dispatch app, designed for the trial and built by SITA, as well as with Virgin’s passenger service system. The dispatch app will handle the availability of concierges and allocate tasks, pushing the relevant passenger information to the right concierge’s wearable device as the passenger arrives, enabling them to welcome each individual passenger personally.
In addition to wearable technology, Virgin are partnering with SITA in order to test iBeacons, which are low-power Bluetooth transmitters that are able to notify iOS devices that area nearby of discounts and services, plus updates on boarding.
And it seems that Virgin Atlantic aren’t the only ones to be re-thinking their approach to providing the best experience to their passengers. This week, Heathrow Airport’s new Terminal 2, due to open in June 2041, is to provide self-service and automation as part of their passenger experience. Whilst Gatwick Airport has announced their self-service bag drop, biometrics, next-generation security measures and a single passenger token to deliver a seamless airport experience for passengers passing through the airport.