Airport assistance service provider OmniServ has partnered with SigncodeUK, an online provider of video translation services for the deaf, deafened and hard of hearing community.
The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding, which allows OmniServ exclusive rights to use SigncodeUK’s video translation technology in airports – both landside and airside – and with airlines. It will also be available to help deaf travelers in airport retail areas.
Samantha Saunders, head of innovation and regulatory compliance at OmniServ, part of ABM Industries, said, “This is a real game changer and a win-win for all sides. From the commercial point of view, it means airports, airlines and travel retailers can now communicate more easily and effectively with deaf or hard of hearing passengers.
“We will be able to create safety briefings for deaf passengers to play on airlines, security advisories so they know what to expect in airports, marketing materials for airport retailers and food and beverage providers.
“For deaf passengers, it will reduce frustration, help them get around airports more easily, allow them full access to a range of retail opportunities, and make sure they are fully informed of all the important safety issues that go along with flying.”
“The partnership with SigncodeUK allows us to communicate with a section of the community which rarely uses our passenger support services but which can benefit enormously from them,” added Saunders.
“D/deaf passengers just use a different language. This technology means we can communicate with them in their own language.”
According to Civil Aviation Authority statistics, UK air travel grew by 19% from 2010-2017. During the same period of time, the numbers of passengers requiring assistance has grown by 47%.