API Reference

Translating Announcements

Guidelines and Best Practices for Streaming Multilingual Announcements to Airline Passengers

Overview

Providing real-time multilingual translations of in-flight announcements is a transformative service that enhances accessibility, inclusivity, and passenger satisfaction. This document outlines the recommended approaches, technologies, and benefits of delivering announcements to passengers in their preferred language during flights.

Compatibility

The API can be integrated into any operating system and application, including: Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux. Most In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) systems run on Android, making the API highly adaptable to industry needs.

Benefits of Multilingual Announcement Streaming

For Airlines:

  1. Enhanced Passenger Satisfaction:

    • Provides a personalized experience, accommodating diverse language preferences.
    • Demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

  2. Operational Efficiency:

    • Reduces reliance on cabin crew for manual translations.
    • Minimizes communication gaps during emergencies or important updates.

  3. Brand Differentiation:

    • Positions your airline as an innovator in passenger experience.
    • Strengthens loyalty and increases repeat business.

For Passengers:

  1. Improved Accessibility:

    • Ensures vital announcements are understood by all passengers, including those with hearing impairments or non-native language speakers.

  2. Real-Time Updates:

    • Provides instant translations without delays, improving clarity and comfort.

  3. Convenience and Ease of Use:

    • Allows passengers to access information on their personal devices without downloading additional applications.

Example Approaches for Implementation

A. Integration with the IFE System

WiFi-Enabled Systems:

  • Stream announcement translations directly to passengers' IFE screens in both text and audio formats.
  • Provide an option to enable announcement translations via the IFE system menu.

Non-WiFi-Enabled Systems:

  • Add a dedicated menu section titled "In-Flight Announcements" in the IFE system.
  • Include descriptions such as: "Receive announcements in your preferred language! Use your smartphone to access AI-translated announcements throughout your flight."
  • Display a QR code and shortlink (e.g., "Visit yourairline.com/accessibility") for passengers to access the service.
  • Use scrolling tickers or banners to highlight the service.
  • Play a short explainer video before takeoff to showcase the benefits and guide passengers on accessing translations.

B. Web Push Notifications via Wi-Fi Portal

  • When passengers connect to inflight Wi-Fi, display a banner on the portal homepage: "Prefer announcements in your language? Enable notifications here."
  • Clicking the banner triggers a browser prompt to subscribe to push notifications.
  • Offer a simple language selection feature for passengers to personalize translations.

C. Mobile App Push Notifications

  • Integrate the API into your mobile app.
  • Prompt passengers to enable inflight updates when they check in or open the app pre-flight.
  • Push notifications deliver announcements in real time with language preferences set in the app.

D. WhatsApp Integration

  • Develop a WhatsApp-based announcement channel using WhatsApp Business API.
  • Provide a direct link to the chatbot via the Wi-Fi portal, website, or booking confirmation emails.
  • Allow passengers to receive announcements in their preferred language via WhatsApp.

E. SMS as a Fallback

  • Offer SMS-based announcement translations for passengers without access to WhatsApp.
  • Ensure compatibility with international phone numbers.

F. Instructional Palate Cards with QR Codes

  • Place TechSpecs provided instructional cards with QR codes at each seat.
  • Passengers can scan the QR code or visit a shortlink to:
    • Select their preferred language.
    • Enable notifications (via web push).
    • View recent announcements in their language.

Benefits

For Airlines:

  • Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Provide a seamless and inclusive passenger experience.
  • Brand Differentiation: Position the airline as a leader in accessibility and innovation.
  • Operational Efficiency: Reduce the need for repeated manual announcements in multiple languages.

For Passengers:

  • Personalized Experience: Access important announcements in their preferred language.
  • Improved Accessibility: Ensure passengers with hearing impairments or language barriers are well-informed.
  • Ease of Use: Access translations via multiple platforms, including IFE systems, mobile apps, and messaging services.

By implementing these strategies, airlines can modernize their communication methods, improve customer satisfaction, and meet accessibility standards effectively.

Technical Recommendations

  • AI Translation Engines:

    • Ensure compliance with data privacy and security standards.

  • Compatibility Testing:

    • Test across various devices and operating systems to ensure seamless user experience.

  • Scalability:

    • Design systems to handle high volumes of simultaneous users.

  • Offline Accessibility:

    • Cache essential instructions for passengers without continuous internet access.

Conclusion

Implementing a multilingual announcement streaming service ensures that your airline can cater to the diverse linguistic needs of your passengers. It improves communication, enhances the travel experience, and sets a new standard for accessibility in the aviation industry. Airlines adopting these technologies will position themselves as leaders in innovation and customer service.

For additional implementation support, contact us by emailing [email protected]