Virgin Atlantic becomes first airline to use 'wearable technology' to serve passengers

Image
ANI London
Last Updated : Feb 11 2014 | 4:10 PM IST

Virgin Atlantic is reportedly set to be the first airline in the world to make use of wearable technology in serving its passengers via hi-tech gadgets like Google Glass and Sony Smartwatch.

The concierge staff in the airline's Upper Class Wing would make use of wearable computing technology to deliver the aviation industry's most high tech and personalized customer service yet.

Based on its recently published study about how travelers see the future of air travel, the airline has decided to kick start its six-week long pilot scheme in collaboration with air transport IT specialist SITA, and evaluate the results before a wider roll-out.

As soon as the Upper Class passengers step out of their chauffeured limousine at Heathrow's T3 and are greeted by name, Virgin Atlantic staff wearing the technology would begin their check-in process.

Simultaneously, they would be able to provide them with their latest flight information, weather and local events at their destination and translate any foreign language information.

Wearable technology is also expected to tell Virgin Atlantic staff their passengers' dietary and refreshment preferences, anything that provides a better and more personalized service.

The airline is also 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.

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Feb 11 2014 | 4:04 PM IST

Next Story