American Airlines has become the first airline to test Google Assistant’s interpreter mode technology in its airport lounges. The airline is testing the new technology at Admirals Club lounges at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
With the ability to translate in real-time, Google Assistant’s interpreter mode will help premium customer service representatives provide more personalised service to customers. Running on a Google Nest Hub, interpreter mode will be used to assist customers only when a multilingual team member is not available.
The device can translate 29 languages, including Arabic, French, German, Japanese, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese.
“The science fiction universal translator is now science fact,” said Maya Leibman, Chief Information Officer, American Airlines. “Incorporating technology like the Google Assistant’s interpreter mode will help us break down barriers, provide a worry-free travel experience and make travel more accessible to all.”
The Google Assistant is the latest in a raft of new technology enhancements American Airlines has introduced to enhance the passenger experience. Other recent introductions include mobile passport scanning, boarding notifications, online virtual 3D aircraft tours, a redesigned self-service kiosk menu that simplifies the check-in process and an improved family seating approach, which ensures adults and kids under 14 are seated together.
