Turkish Airlines has launched a new real-time translation device, SmartMic, in various airports throughout Turkey.
The technology can translate 52 languages and 72 accents. With a 16cm screen on either side of the translator, passengers can speak in their native tongue, which will be automatically translated on the other side of the gadget, to a member of airline staff in a language of their choosing.
The SmartMic translators were introduced to assist non-English and non-Turkish-speaking passengers in navigating through Turkey’s airports. A hundred SmartMics have been made available so far.
The service can be found in Istanbul airport as well as in regional airports such as Adana, Ankara, Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman and Izmir. Turkish Airlines plans to roll out the technology across its network throughout 2024, with the UK next on the cards.
Bilal Ekşi, CEO of the airline, said: “At Turkish Airlines, we are all about connecting the world and making travel accessible to everyone. We want to ensure our passengers have a smooth, seamless travel experience.”
