Edinburgh Airport to Trial Google Glass Technology

They’re probably something more likely worn by James Bond or seen in a Star Trek film but, in the first of its kind in Scotland, Edinburgh Airport is acting as guinea pig to trial Google Glass.

Google Glass is a type of wearable technology with an optical head-mounted display (OHMD). It works by displaying digital information in a hands-free format, similar to what you would find on a smartphone.

Those wearing a pair of Google glasses are able to communicate via the internet using voice commands and take pictures just by winking.

Until the end of the year, the airport’s customer welcome team, Blackjack (a division of Omniserv limited), will be using the state-of-the-art eyewear to improve the passenger experience by providing up-to-date flight information, foreign language translations and answer general inquiries about the airport and City.

The cutting edge technology was introduced at Heathrow earlier this year, and Edinburgh Airport’s welcome team are currently testing the system in the check-in hall to establish the best way to assist passengers.

From general questions about airport facilities to translating passenger documentation into English, Google Glass has never been used in an airport environment before and is something which the team at Edinburgh are excited about.

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, said: “We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to improve the airport experience for our passengers and Google Glass trial is a great example of how we’re thinking out the box.

“The fact that it’s the first trial of its kind in a Scottish airport is exciting as it shows we’re leading the way in how we interact with our passengers. Over the next few months we’ll be able to establish whether this product is suitable for an airport environment.”

Ernie Patterson, Chairman of Omniserv, said: “The investment in wearable technology will allow our staff to remain fully mobile and change the way that we access and provide information to our passengers.

“Edinburgh Airport is a fast-paced, friendly and dynamic airport; and as such, we need to ensure that we work in partnership to trial and use the latest technologies to enhance the overall passenger experience. Although this is at a trial stage, the potential opportunities that this technology could offer to our business are very exciting”.

Part of a wider partnership between the airport, OmniServ, a subsidiary of Air Serv & ABM, this Google Glass trial will result in a quicker and more detailed level of customer service.