Air New Zealand is one of only a few companies around the world trialing Google Pixel Buds wireless headphones technology for improved customer service.

Travel and translation needs go hand-in-hand, and Air New Zealand’s customers come from all around the world. While the airline has many multilingual employees, the Google Pixel Buds ensure more members of staff can help customers when those who speak their language are unavailable.

The devices will enable live translation of 40 languages via Google’s Pixel handset. The customer service representative can hear a live translation of the traveller’s words as they are spoken, and their own reply is played back by the Pixel handset in the traveller’s language.

Air New Zealand chief digital ifficer Avi Golan says:

“We operate to 30 international destinations and our customers speak an even more diverse range of languages. Google Pixel Buds could assist in areas such as check-in and boarding as well as inflight to help our staff communicate effectively with international customers.

“Both Air New Zealand and Google put people and technology at the heart of their products and experiences and it’s been excellent exploring how translation technology like Google Pixel Buds could enhance our customer experience.”

The airline says it aspires to be a digital leader. The new Google Pixel Buds program follows other technology initiatives by Air New Zealand this year which include the development of a digital customer service representative, Sophie.

Golan adds:

“In this increasingly digital world our customers expect us to provide a fast and personalized experience. It’s crucial we embrace technology solutions and collaborating with like-minded partners helps us keep ahead of the game.”