If you’re an Alexa user and a frequent KLM traveller, then today is your lucky day because you’ll now be able to use Alexa to search for your next KLM destination. KLM’s Travel Guide offers inspiration as well as personal advice in terms of flight duration, budget, travel dates, and specifications, such as a “city trip” or “beach holiday”. Based on this information, KLM suggests the destination that best matches your specifications, along with the ticket price and a short description. This KLM service will be available on all speakers running the Alexa operating system, with or without a screen.
KLM says that the voice-activated technology itself is not the main focus, but rather the extent to which it makes life easier for passengers before, during and after their flight.
“We want to be where our customers are. Amazon is an important player in voice technology, both in the US and internationally. For us, it is a logical step to develop a voice service for Amazon Alexa as well,” says Pieter Groeneveld, Senior Vice President Digital Air France-KLM.
The Alexa powered service arrives less than twelve months after the airline launched four services for Dutch-speaking customers on Google Home in 2018. Two services being completely new and complement two existing KLM voice services, all of which were developed using artificial intelligence and KLM technology.
· Travel guide – The first service helps travellers find a suitable travel destination based on the flight duration, budget, travel date, and travel theme they want. Based on a short dialogue, KLM offers customers three suitable destinations, including a brief description of each one. Following that, customers immediately receive the current ticket prices via a link on their mobile phones.
· Departure planner- Using the second service, KLM tells customers at what time they have to be at Schiphol before departure. This uses a technical connection to Schiphol’s systems (API). The departure planner also advises customers about what time they should leave home, whether by car or public transport.
· Searching for flights and help with packing – One of the existing KLM voice services on Google Home helps customers search for and book flights. Furthermore, KLM already provides its customers with personal advice about how to pack their baggage based on their destination, trip duration, and the local weather forecast.
“Consumers are finding and using more and more voice-activated systems in their daily lives. Smart speakers are conquering the world even faster than smartphones. In keeping with our pioneer spirit, we are presenting the latest advances in voice control to remain at the forefront of service worldwide and make travel as easy as possible for our customers,” Groeneveld adds.
For more information about KLM and flights available, call 0860 247 747, email: esales.za@klm.com, or visit their website at www.klm.co.za.
