【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. flight attendant /flaɪt əˈtɛn dənt/ (n.) – an airline staff member who looks after passengers in a flight
Example: He asked for food from the flight attendant.
2. paperless /ˈpeɪpərlɛs/ (adj.) – using a computer or an electronic device instead of paper
Example: Some airline companies now accept paperless tickets.
3. manual /ˈmæn yu əl/ (n.) – a book with a set of instructions and information
Example: The manual shows how to update the phone’s operating system.
4. on-board /ˈɒnˈbɔrd/ (adj.) – included or available on a vehicle
Example: Ann rode an airplane with an on-board television.
5. cabin /ˈkæb ɪn/ (n.) – an area in an aircraft where passengers sit
Example: The aircraft’s cabin can fit 180 passengers.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
The United Airlines will give Apple iPhone 6 Plus to its 23,000 flight attendants as the company moves toward having a paperless system in its aircrafts.
The company chose Apple iPhone 6 Plus after an extensive research on different devices and consultation of its staff. The smartphone provides convenience and accessibility that will help flight attendants provide better service to its passengers.
One advantage of using the phone is that it makes airline manuals more accessible. Digital copies of the safety and operations manuals will be stored in the smartphones. Thus, attendants can easily refer to these manuals for any flight concerns. They can also access the Internet during flights for work and personal use.
Attendants can also easily sell on-board food items and seat upgrades to passengers using the smartphone. An app that functions as a credit card reader is installed on the phones, thereby lessening payment hassles. The United Airlines will also have more apps that will feature improved reporting and follow-up services on cabin issues.
The distribution of the iPhone 6 Plus to its attendants will begin around the second quarter of 2015.
The United Airlines started using gadgets on its flights in 2011 by giving Apple iPads to its pilots. In 2014, the company upgraded the gadgets to iPad Air 2. Other airlines have also equipped mobile technology in their flights. Delta Airlines gave Nokia Lumia 820 smartphones to its 19,000 flight attendants in 2013, while Alaska Airlines provided its pilots with iPads in 2011.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· Do you approve of the United Airlines’ decision to give iPhones to its flight attendants? Why or why not?
· How do you think the device will affect the flight attendants’ performance?
Discussion B
· Why is it important to have the latest technology in an airline?
· How important is the airlines’ quality of customer service? Please explain to your tutor.
