Canada’s Edmonton International Airport has joined the Aira Airport Network to offer visually-impaired passengers access to live real-time assistance via the Aira app.
According to the Canadian Council for the Blind, there are approximately 124,000 Albertans who have mild to severe sight loss.
When a passenger who is visually impaired arrives at EIA, they can use the app to call up a live agent who will guide them through the airport by using the camera in the passenger’s smartphone.
With access to detailed information and maps of EIA, the agent is able to determine where a user is within the airport building and help them navigate through the terminal. They can also assist in reading information for passengers and support safety by encouraging physical distancing from other people where possible.
“Air travel is a necessity not a luxury in our community and using technology to support travel for everyone is something we’re committed to,” said Steve Maybee, VP Operations and Infrastructure, EIA. “With Aira, from curb to gate, our travellers who have visual impairments can now have a memorable airport experience, confidently and independently. We’re glad to partner with Aira and have this service available.”
Wendy Edey, an Edmonton resident and Aira user, expressed her enthusiasm for the app. She said: “I will be flying this spring and as I am blind I will be delighted to use Aira to help me find things in the airport while I wait for flights. Airline staff are always helpful, but once I make it through security to the gate, I never want to bother anyone to help me find a washroom, or something to eat. This service will help me be more independent and have a better experience.”
The introduction of the Aira app is one of several initiatives EIA has introduced to support accessibility at the airport. It has also deployed the Autism Aviators programme to help passengers with autism as well as their parents and caregivers.
The airport also has an on-demand kerbside assistance programme and in 2020 converted a washroom into a pet relief station designed for service animals.
It is currently working on a visual paging system for passengers with hearing difficulties and services are available with airlines for passengers who need mobility assistance.
