PASSENGERS at George Best Belfast City Airport will soon be able to ask: 'Alexa . . . when's my next flight'?
It comes after it launched a comprehensive five-year digital transformation programme following a major six-figure investment which includes Amazon Alexa functionality – a first for any airport in Northern Ireland.
The first phase of the innovative programme, accelerated by support from Tourism NI’s ‘Embrace a Giant Spirit Digital Welcome’ fund, has already successfully introduced Amazon Alexa skill functionality for passengers seeking information about the airport; implemented a 24/7 customer service tool, Airchat; and installed the first of a 20-screen digital wayfinding portfolio in the terminal building.
The airport's director of information technology Brian Roche said: “Like any modern business, digital transformation is vital to Belfast City Airport, not only for effective operations on a day-to-day basis now, but also in future-proofing the organisation for sustainable growth.
“The creation and implementation of these digital platforms will benefit our inbound and outbound customers greatly providing another layer of excellent customer service and assistance.
“It also demonstrates our commitment to continually delivering an airport experience that exceeds the expectations of our passengers.”
Dave Vincent, chief digital officer at Tourism NI responsible for accelerating a ‘digital first’ ambition within the tourism industry, said of the partnership: “As a main gateway to Northern Ireland, Belfast City Airport plays an integral role in the tourism experience of our visitors.
“Its aspirations of harnessing digital tools and online platforms to better the experience of those visiting our shores align perfectly with ours, and we are delighted to support this exciting, passenger-centric phase of the airport’s digital transformation programme.”
