Virgin Atlantic becomes first airline to use 'wearable technology' to serve passengers

London: Virgin Atlantic is reportedly set to be the first airline in the world to make use of wearable technology in serving its passengers via hi-tech gadgets like Google Glass and Sony Smartwatch.

Virgin Atlantic founder Richard Branson. Pic: AFP

The concierge staff in the airline's Upper Class Wing would make use of wearable computing technology to deliver the aviation industry's most high tech and personalized customer service yet.

Based on its recently published study about how travelers see the future of air travel, the airline has decided to kick start its six-week long pilot scheme in collaboration with air transport IT specialist SITA, and evaluate the results before a wider roll-out.

As soon as the Upper Class passengers step out of their chauffeured limousine at Heathrow's T3 and are greeted by name, Virgin Atlantic staff wearing the technology would begin their check-in process.

Simultaneously, they would be able to provide them with their latest flight information, weather and local events at their destination and translate any foreign language information.

Wearable technology is also expected to tell Virgin Atlantic staff their passengers' dietary and refreshment preferences, anything that provides a better and more personalized service.

The airline is also testing iBeacon with its Upper Class passengers at Heathrow, a new low-powered Bluetooth transmitter that can notify nearby iOS Apple devices of nearby services, discounts and updates on their flight boarding schedules.