Air New Zealand proved that New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) can be used anywhere, even 35,000 feet in the air.
In a world first to mark the beginning of NZSL Week, the airline operated a flight where cabin crew used NZSL to communicate with customers, including signing the inflight passenger announcements and onboard service offerings.
On the flight from Auckland to Wellington, customers were encouraged to try NZSL, and illustration cards featuring signs for popular inflight items like ‘water,’ ‘cookie,’ and ‘lolly’ were placed on seats.
The five flight attendants operating the flight all had at least a basic knowledge of NZSL.
The initiative was led by Air New Zealand's Enable Network, an internal group supporting employees who have a personal disability or care for someone with a disability.
Ed Collett, Air New Zealand's senior aircraft programmes manager, said the airline had been working hard to enable more employees to use NZSL.
"We're thrilled we could support NZSL Week and recognise its importance as an official language of New Zealand by encouraging our crew to show their signing skills on this flight,” said Collett.
"Last year, we worked with Deaf Aotearoa to create an NZSL training module for our people, allowing them to learn 30 travel-related signs.”
The training module was hugely popular, with around 400 Air New Zealanders completing it. Crew members who completed the training can be found wearing the NZSL-supported lapel pin.
Around 30 customers onboard the flight were travelling to Wellington to attend the NZSL Awards hosted at Parliament.
NZSL Week ambassador Jon Tai-Rakena said the initiative was a great step towards better inclusion for the Deaf community.
"I love to fly and go to new places, but travelling as a Deaf person can feel isolating at times,” said Tai-Rakena.
“This flight demonstrates a level of inclusion that makes Deaf people feel seen and welcomed onboard. It was exciting to be part of it, and I hope there will be more NZSL in the sky and on the ground as Kiwis adopt more of our beautiful language."
Deaf Aotearoa chief executive Lachlan Keating, who was also onboard the flight, said seeing so many Air New Zealand crew and customers using NZSL was great.
"This year's theme for NZSL Week is 'a New Zealand where anyone can sign anywhere', and there was no better example of this than on the flight,” said Keating.
"The more Kiwis incorporate NZSL into their everyday lives, the more inclusive our society is for our Deaf community."
This marked a significant stride towards including and incorporating NZSL in everyday life.
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