03/22/2019

Erlanger, Ky. (March 22, 2019) – The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is rolling out an app-based, video-assisted service to enable blind and low-vision travelers to self-navigate the airport.

CVG’s partnership with tech firm, Aira, connects blind and low-vision travelers with highly trained, remotely-located agents. Through the smartphone app, or a pair of Horizon Smart Glasses, travelers get instant access to visual information at the touch of a button – enhancing navigation, efficiency and independence.

HOW IT WORKS: Travelers can access the Aira service for free, as soon as they enter the airport. Aira is available on any iPhone or Android smartphone, and can also be accessed by an individual’s Aira Horizon smart glasses, which come equipped with an embedded camera. Aira’s trained, professional agents can see the user’s surroundings via the camera stream from the phone or glasses, as well as geolocation information, airport maps, flight information, and more, to provide on-demand assistance to travelers who are blind or low vision. 

LINK to photos and video of demonstration with Lisa, an Aira Explorer, who subscribes to the Aira service. Lisa called an Aira agent once she entered CVG Airport to navigate to the Starbucks on the Ticketing level. The Aira agent read the menu to her to order a coffee and guided her back to the airline ticket counters.

Airports have become one of the most popular places to use the service, which is now also available in El Paso, Texas; Houston and London’s Heathrow Airport, among others.

“At CVG Airport, we’re deeply committed to accessibility; providing independence and the opportunity to travel by air to all,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “This tool is innovative and necessary for many travelers. We’re happy to provide the service for our passengers to elevate their experience while at CVG.”

“Aira believes that greater access to visual information leads to more independence for individuals who are blind or low vision,” said Suman Kanuganti, chief executive officer, Aira. “We are really excited to see this philosophy embraced by airports like CVG, expanding access and enhancing the travel experience for those who are blind.”