Sign Language Flies with Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand has successfully carried out the world’s first operating flight where the cabin crew used New Zealand Sign Language to communicate the announcements and services to the passengers on board.

The special flight—NZ421 from Auckland to Wellington—was arranged to celebrate New Zealand Sign Language Week (6-12 May). The crew consisted of five flight attendants who all had a basic grasp of the language. In addition, every seat was provided with flashcards that presented signs for items like water, food, etc., encouraging the passengers to use the signs for communication.

The initiative of highlighting New Zealand Sign Language was commenced by Air New Zealand’s Enable Network, an internal society that aims to support their specially-abled employees. It was also backed by Ed Collett, Senior Aircraft Programme Manager, Air New Zealand, who noted that the airline was “thrilled” to support NZSL Week, and to recognise and highlight its importance on a global level. He also shed light on how the work for the campaign has been ongoing for more than a year, where the airlines partnered with Dead Aotearoa to train their flight attendants in a special sign language course, which has already been undertaken by more than 400 employees to date.

The flight also had important figures on board like NZSL Week Ambassador Jon Tai-Rakena and CEO of Deaf Aotearoa Lachlan Keating, who were all praises of the campaign. According to The New Zealand Herald, the flight contained around 30 deaf passengers who were travelling to attend the NZSL Awards hosted by the government. The passengers, too, were appreciative of the efforts taken by Air New Zealand and recited successful stories of their journey where they felt understood and included in the air travel society.