OAK travellers can use Aira for assistance with a range of tasks, including locating bag drop, ordering food, navigating to their terminal, and finding rideshare or transit stops. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, with no advance reservations required.
“San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport is pleased to offer this additional accessibility tool to enhance inclusion for all travellers,” said Port of Oakland director of aviation Craig Simon. “We want all airport users to feel welcome at our facilities and know the benefits and conveniences available to them.”
Aira instantly connects blind and low vision people to professional visual interpreters. The app will be available on-demand to anyone travelling through OAK. Travellers can simply download the app for Android or iPhone, open it, tap a button, and are connected to a visual interpreter, who can access a video stream from the caller’s camera. The visual interpreter can then explain the caller’s surroundings, describe, narrate, navigate, or read out loud.
“Blind and low-vision travellers face unique challenges at airports, where navigating a busy, constantly changing environment and accessing critical information is essential for a smooth experience. Without timely information and efficient navigation, the consequences can be significant,” said Troy Otillio, CEO of Aira. “We’re pleased to partner with San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport to enhance the accessibility and inclusiveness of the facility, and support more independent travel.”
