Manchester-Boston Regional Airport Announces New Technology for Blind and Low Vision Customers
Manchester, NH (June 26, 2019) – Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is pleased to announce a new partnership with technology company, Aira. The new technology, provided by the Airport and supported by Aira, will expand services for blind and low vision customers. All that is needed to access the free service is a smartphone with a camera.
MHT customers can access the Aira network- free of charge- and connect with professional agents who act as visual interpreters. Aira smart glasses or the individual customer’s smart phone can be used to access the Aira application (app). The app will enable passengers to share views of their surroundings and interact with Airport, airline, TSA and other personnel as needed. The service enables easy navigation through the Airport and provides assistance with other tasks such as flight information, locating and identifying baggage and arranging ground transportation. To use Aira, travelers must download the app from Apple’s App Store or the Google Play Store. Guests who are coming to MHT can complete these steps prior to arriving at the airport. Upon arrival, guests will receive an audio notification from their smartphone that they are at MHT, and Aira is available.
Airport Director Ted Kitchens commented, “We continually look to evaluate and enhance the customer experience at MHT. To that end, we are excited to announce our latest partnership with Aira. The new technology provided by Aira will provide greater accessibility to our blind and
low-vision customers and will make their travel a more enjoyable experience.”
“In this partnership with Aira we’re working to ensure the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is more accessible to blind and low-vision airport passengers,” said Mayor Joyce Craig. “by simply using a smartphone, individuals will gain a greater sense of independence while traveling.”
“We’re proud to announce this partnership with an innovator like Manchester-Boston Regional Airport,” said Kevin Phelan, Vice President of Aira.“ With the simple tap of a button on the Aira app, any traveler can instantly connect to a live Aira agent who can assist with delivering immediate, accurate access to information anytime and anywhere. With the dynamic nature of traveler information, and the need to quickly adjust to schedule or gate
changes combined with the challenges of moving through a crowded terminal, this is a perfect fit for what we do.”
“As a New Hampshire resident, I am proud to see Manchester-Boston Regional Airport take steps to make the airport experience more accessible for all people,” said Stephanie Hurd, Community Relations Coordinator with Future In Sight. “Utilizing the Aira technology, I’m able to have a more independent experience as I navigate the terminal on my own terms and time.”
About Aira
Aira is a service that connects blind and low-vision people to highly trained, remotely-located
agents. At the touch of a button, Aira delivers instant access to information, enhancing everyday
efficiency, engagement, and independence. More information at www.aira.io.
How does Aira work? It’s simple:
- Download the free “Aira” app for free using aira.io/app, or call 1-800-835-1934.
- Connect with a certified Aira agent.
- Receive real-time assistance.
A video featuring an airport demo of the service can be found at https://goo.gl/X96vWn.