The Port of Seattle, in partnership with assistive technology provider Aira, has launched a pilot programme that provides smart glasses to guide the visually impaired through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac).

Sea-Tac is believed to be the first airport on the US West Coast to join the Aira Airport Network and use the wearable smart glasses technology.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Go deeper with GlobalData

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

The port’s pilot programme will cover the cost of any passenger using the Aira service.

“The technology connects the user to a live, human agent that can see the environment around the user in real-time.”

The service links the blind and visually impaired to certified, live agents through smart glasses and a mobile app to navigate every step of the airport: from the curb and check-in area through to the gate.

Port of Seattle Commission president Courtney Gregoire said: “Our airport seeks to meet the needs of all travellers. We are prioritising customer service, innovation investments, and community partnerships to make Sea-Tac Airport more inclusive and the most accessible airport in the US.”

Using smart glasses and a mobile app, the technology connects the user to a live, human agent that can see the environment around the user in real-time.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Subsequently, the agents will act as visual interpreters to complete a number of tasks in the airport, such as viewing a flight information board to finding the queue line at a security checkpoint and verifying their luggage at a baggage carousel.

Aira provides its services based on a subscription model. The service featuring a mobile app, a pair of smart glasses, AT&T data, and by-the-minute access to live, and human agents is offered for a monthly fee.

Sea-Tac Airport will cover the cost of all minutes used by Aira Explorers while they visit the airport. The glasses will be able to use from the garage to the main terminal, and all of the concourses and satellites, without deducting any minutes from their regular plan.

Airport Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Airport Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Klayo’s talent and compliance platform tailored for airports has secured the Innovation Award in the Workforce Digitalization category . Learn how its competency gap analysis, integrated compliance hub and data-driven workforce planning are helping airports streamline operations, strengthen governance and engage employees.

Discover the Impact