Interesting to hear that Virgin Atlantic are launching a Google Glass and other wearable technology pilot amongst their Upper Class staff – now all I’m waiting for is an invitation to test it out personally….
It’s the airline and airport industry first and they will test how using Google Glass / Sony Smartwatches can enhance the check in process / arrivals process. This new innovation is as a result of a huge, global survey conducted by Virgin Atlantic / Populus of 10,000 passengers on the future of flying whereby 53% said flying is less glamorous than it used to be, and they called on airlines to use technology to improve the flying experience. The latest technology builds on 30 years of transforming the flying experience.
So just two days ago, Virgin Atlantic passengers were the first air travellers to experience the benefits of pioneering Google Glass technology as they arrive at London Heathrow airport, in an innovative pilot scheme. Concierge staff in the airline’s Upper Class Wing will be using Google Glass and other wearable technology to deliver the industry’s most high tech and personalised customer service yet.
Apparently, from the minute Upper Class passengers step out of their chauffeured limousine at Heathrow’s T3 and are greeted by name, Virgin Atlantic staff wearing the technology will start the check-in process. At the same time, staff will be able to update passengers on their latest flight information, weather and local events at their destination and translate any foreign language information. In future, the technology could also tell Virgin Atlantic staff their passengers’ dietary and refreshment preferences – anything that provides a better and more personalised service. During the six week pilot scheme, the benefits to consumers and the business will be evaluated ahead of a potential wider roll-out in the future.
Beyond the flight itself, passengers also want the air industry to push ahead on improving planes’ environmental impact. Aircraft run on environmentally friendly fuel such as biofuel or solar would be appealing to 68 per cent of UK travellers, and almost three quarters (73 per cent) would like to see – or hear – significantly quieter planes.
Dave Bulman Director of IT, Virgin Atlantic, said:
“While it’s fantastic that more people can now fly than ever before, the fact that air travel has become so accessible has led to some of the sheen being lost for many passengers. By being the first in the industry to test how Google Glass and other wearable technology can improve customer experience, we are upholding Virgin Atlantic’s long tradition of shaking things up and putting innovation at the heart of the flying experience.
“Reassuringly a lot of aspects of flying that people say they would like to see in future, Virgin Atlantic is already introducing – for example bigger windows will be a feature of our new 787s and we are already rolling out wifi across our aircraft. Many of our passengers now use their mobiles on board, particularly to send emails or check Facebook. We continue to look ahead and research innovations that customers might only dream of today. The whole industry needs to listen to what these passengers are calling for, and keep innovating to bring a return to the golden age of air travel. Flying should be a pleasure not a chore.”
Virgin Atlantic continues to push the boundaries with other technological advancements, including testing iBeacon with its Upper Class passengers at Heathrow, a new low-powered Bluetooth transmitter that can notify nearby iOS Apple devices of nearby services, discounts and updates on their flight boarding schedules. In addition, Virgin Atlantic’s newly enhanced mobile site means passengers will be able to book flights, check in online and check their flight status on the move, while also having access to the vast range of information on the main website, including destination and airport guides as well as details of baggage allowances and much more.
