The iPhone XR was released in 2018 as a cut down version of the popular iPhone series. It features a lower spec than other models however Apple have been very generous and this handset was an instant hit. It therefore comes as no surprise that it has caught the attention of some significant business players. In the news this week we discovered that British Airways has bought 15,000 models of the phone but before you get too excited, these are not for passengers they are for their crew.

Not the First Time Apple Has Been Used

Recently British Airways has already been running a trial with some of their senior flight attendants who have been given iPads to use during the flight in an effort to ensure the best customer experience possible for passengers. Now the iPhone XR is set to widely replace these and encompass all cabin crew. So exactly how will this work?

Proprietary Apps

When asked about their proposed plans for the handsets British Airways have confirmed that they will come pre-installed with several apps that the crew can use to offer assistance to passengers during the flight. This means that they would be able to use the handset to make adjustments to customer information. We believe that this includes things such as a new booking if the flight is delayed or cancelled, special dietary requirements, and any other passengers preferences.

In order to emphasise the value of having the handsets on board there was an example given which featured a crew member using their phone to make changes to a customers meal. Apparently the customer had just realised that he had forgotten to make a dietary requirement in his meal ordering.

Now we all know that food intolerances and allergies can be very serious although we don’t know if this is the case in the story but once the flight attendant was aware of the mistake that the passenger made they were able to help thanks to the phone.

While the food is pre prepared and there was nothing that could be done for the journey currently taking place however the flight attendant was able to log onto the ba.com website and correct the mistake ready for the return journey. This change was made mid flight while the plane was in the air.

It’s All About the Customer Experience

As anyone who works in a service industry knows it is all about the customer experience sometimes known as UX. The cabin crew also have access to their reference guides so if anything unusual crops up they are able to find the information they need within moments. We can only admire British Airways commitment to their passengers but wonder if the flight attendants will spend more time distracted by their new toys rather than focusing on the passengers in the seats in front of them.

Apple certainly be happy that their handsets were chosen over android phones and whether this becomes the norm for other airlines only time will tell. However it is fair to say that the iPhone XR is a cracking piece of kit and well worth a look if you are in the market for a new handset.