Terminal 4 at John F Kennedy International Airport has become the first airport terminal in the world to partner with Google to bring the Google Assistant’s interpreter mode real-time translation technology to travelers.
The Assistant’s interpreter mode, which can translate conversations across 29 languages in real time, is now available on Google Nest Hubs placed at the Welcome Center in the Arrivals Hall as well as at the post-security information booth/help desk located in the retail lounge. Interpreter mode provides information agents at T4 with simpler, faster and more effective translation capabilities to help customers to locate luggage, navigate the terminal, find concessions, and locate ground transportation.
“T4 is widely regarded as the international gateway to New York City, with more than 21 million passengers traveling through the terminal each year – the majority of whom are international travelers,” said Roel Huinink, president and CEO of the terminal’s operator, JFKIAT. “We are delighted to partner with Google to bring the Assistant’s innovative technology to our customers and make their experience more seamless and efficient as they travel through the terminal.”
The introduction of the Google Assistant’s interpreter mode is JFKIAT’s latest bid to enhance the passenger experience by means of technology. Last year the operator introduced biometric boarding at several international gates throughout the terminal. T4 was also the first terminal in New York to offer Aira Access, providing passengers who are blind or have low vision with instant access to enhanced visual information and real-time service to navigate the terminal.