Can airline wellness technology keep stride with nonstop flights upward of 17 hours?
Almost two years ago, Singapore-based artificial intelligence (AI) specialist Detalytics began developing a solution to relieve fatigue symptoms for those who work night shifts when it realized that air travel could also benefit from the technology. “Our solutions are designed to improve the lifestyle of people in high-responsibility jobs with irregular shifts – like flight attendants,” says Dr. Jacques Durand, CEO of AeroHealth AI, and senior medical advisor at Detalytics. “We’ve now developed solutions for airlines to empower crewmembers toward healthier lifestyles while reducing the impact of long-term risks on their health and minimizing jet lag.”
“Our solutions are designed to improve the lifestyle of people in high-responsibility jobs with irregular shifts – like flight attendants.” – Dr. Jacques Durand, Detalytics.
The company is also implementing a jet lag management solution for passengers on long-haul routes, with a slated release in mid-2019, Durand says. To do so, Detalytics adapted a simple jet lag score (based on route and departure time) into a Personal Jet Lag Impact Score (PJLS), using the supplemental data gleaned from a passenger’s smartphone or smartwatch in addition to a lifestyle questionnaire, which queries passengers on their final destination, planned activities and purpose of their trip. Possible questions include: Do you play sports? Will you be doing any physical activity at the destination? What’s your lifestyle?
Using this information, the Detalytics system creates an in-flight timetable advising optimal times for drinking, sleeping and eating, and even suggests activities to do upon arrival. According to Durand, the company is assessing ways to incorporate the technology throughout the entire journey via ticket booking websites, airline apps and even the in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, the last of which was displayed at Panasonic Avionics’ booth at APEX EXPO 2018 in Boston.
“The partnership with Panasonic offers us an opportunity to bring our technology into their Wellness offering to manage sleep, relaxation, concentration and jet lag in accordance with personalized services on board and at the destination,” Durand says, adding that the companies are in discussions with an airline focusing on the long-haul market. “All these airlines that plan to offer long-haul flights really need to develop a deeper understanding of jet lag because the impact is just getting higher.”
“Jet Lag Antidote” was originally published in the 9.1 February/March issue of APEX Experience magazine.