Air New Zealand, Google test real-time language translation

Air New Zealand is equipping its employees with real-time language translation capabilities via Google’s Bluetooth earbuds.

The Google Pixel Buds, which debuted in October, tap into Google Assistant, a voice-activated artificial intelligence app, and can provide translation of 40 languages including Swahili, Armenian, Russian, Korean and many more.

Air New Zealand chief digital officer Avi Golan says the airline, which operates 30 international destinations, will make use of the translational technology to communicate with customers at check-in and during boarding as well as in-flight.

"In this increasingly digital world our customers expect us to provide a fast and personalized experience," Golan says, noting that while Air New Zealand does have multilingual employees, they may not always be available.

"It's crucial we embrace technology solutions, and collaborating with like-minded partners [like Google] helps us keep ahead of the game."

Air New Zealand is among the first corporate airlines to trial the product.