Air New Zealand flight attendants tried out the Microsoft HoloLens headset

Could THIS improve inflight customer service? Airline tests 'mixed reality' Hololens glasses to attend to passengers' needs

ith poor in-flight customer service hitting the headlines in recent months, one airline thinks they may have found the solution.

Air New Zealand is pinning its hopes on the Microsoft Hololens, a 'mixed reality' headset that allows users to see holograms alongside the physical world.

When a flight attendant looks at a customer, the Hololens displays personal details including their preferred meal and why they're travelling.

The HoloLens app is still in its Beta testing stage, but the airline hopes the devices could help staff to better understand their customers' emotions and needs.

Leeanne Langridge, cabin crew manager at Air New Zealand, said: 'Our customers are first and foremost people.

'We always want to treat them as individuals by understanding personal needs.

'Exploring new technologies for us to learn even more about the people that step on board our aircraft is incredibly exciting.

'Some people come on board and they could be travelling for a special occasion. Or alternatively, they may be under some stress.

'This technology could allow us to interpret our customers needs and tailor our service so from the moment they step on board, we're giving them exactly what they need to feel safe, comfortable and taken care of.'

The HoloLens can display a range of personal details about a customer, including how long it's been since they had their last drink, according to Air New Zealand.

The device may even be able to detect a passenger's emotional state from cues including facial expressions or heart rate.

The HoloLens is still under development and has not yet been released to the public.

Johnathon Glenister, from Dimension Data, said: 'The Microsoft HoloLens is a device you wear on your head. It allows you to combine holograms with the physical world around you.

'We worked with the Air New Zealand cabin crew to try out a HoloLens application.

'The app uses cognitive services and services of relevant data about the passenger, their preferences and their journey.

'Although it's only in beta at this point, we think there are possibilities to take it further and to transform the travel experience.'