MHT to Expand Services for Blind/Low Vision Customers

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, through a partnership with technology company 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 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, which 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 should download the app from Apple's App Store or the Google Play Store prior to traveling. Upon arrival, guests will receive an audio notification from their smartphone that they are at MHT, and Aira is available. “We continually look to evaluate and enhance the customer experience at MHT," said Airport Director Ted Kitchens. “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.”

“We’re proud to announce this partnership with an innovator like Manchester-Boston Regional Airport,” said Aira Vice President Kevin Phelan. “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.”

A video featuring an airport demo of the service can be found at https://goo.gl/X96vWn