Etihad Airways unveils WhatsApp service for instant communication with passengers

The second-largest airline of the United Arab Emirate, Etihad Airways, has recently introduced a new WhatsApp service to enable passengers to have direct chat with airline staff via the popular messaging app. The UAE's national airline Etihad is rolling out the digital capability for premium customers when they are at Abu Dhabi International Airport, enabling them to chat with customer service agents, said The Independent report.
 
Using the messaging service app, information on possible delays, issues with flights or gate changes can reportedly be communicated quickly and easily to the passengers. The airline plans to extend this service in future so that fliers can receive important messages by opting into WhatsApp communications on the Etihad Airways booking confirmation page, the report said.
 
Robin Kamark, Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer, told The Independent, “The new WhatsApp Business solution will provide Etihad Airways’ premium guests with immediate contact with the airline, using the very latest technology," adding “Air travellers around the world use WhatsApp in their daily lives and so it is an ideal channel for them to communicate with the airline and receive the latest information about their travel journey.”
 
According to the report, the new communication channel exists in addition to real-time Twitter and Facebook accounts. Other innovative developments in the field of aviation reportedly include the introduction of robots at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Seven new robots have been unveiled in December 2017, and the purpose behind the initiative is reportedly to offer assistance to visitors during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.  
 
Air New Zealand is also pioneering a new trial which aims to provide real-time language translation services using Bluetooth headphones, said the report, adding that the carrier is using Google’s Pixel Buds earphones to enable the live translation of 40 languages using the Google Pixel smartphone. The Air New Zealand aims to become a “digital airline”, the report added.
 
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Travellers who fail to understand the local language would find their flight experience drastically improving, with reports that many airports are exploring this capability further.