Communicating effectively with passengers is essential for any airline. It can contribute towards passenger safety, extend customer satisfaction and increase revenue for the airline. While ‘live’ announcements from cabin crew will play a part in achieving these benefits, there are a number of instances where pre-recorded announcements (PRAMs) can be of considerable benefit.

• When a passenger books a flight with an airline, there’s a certain level of customer service they expect. This can be made up in many different ways but one of the most important is a friendly and warm welcome. A friendly yet professional PRAM can be used to welcome passengers as they board.

• PRAMs can also be used for on-hold music in between important messages or for when passengers are arriving on-board. Many people find flying stressful, so having pleasant and relaxing music can help them to relax.

• Likewise, before passengers disembark the aircraft, they may benefit from being provided with some useful information about what happens when they enter the airport. This could be coupled with a friendly farewell that supports the customer-airline relationship.

• During the flight, there are other important messages that need to be conveyed to passengers, not least of all regarding their safety. Pre-recorded safety announcements can allay fears and offer straightforward guidance on what passengers should do in an emergency situation.

• The potential to increase on board revenues during flights is something all airlines need to consider. Using PRAMs, airlines can promote duty-free goods, snacks, beverages and other products and services to generate additional sales.

• In-flight entertainment (IFE) packages can offer considerable benefits to passengers but if passengers. If you’re IFE content is not free then you need to encourage passengers to buy headphones so they can enjoy it. A PRAM can be used to promote the IFE package, as well as informing passengers that headphones are available to buy or rent.

• For airlines that provide portable in-flight entertainment devices such as the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP), pre-recorded announcements can be a great way to inform passengers of their availability.

• By using pre-recorded announcements for some of the messages airlines need to make, it allows flight attendants to focus on other important roles, such as preparing for meals and attending to passengers.

• PRAMs are written by trained and experienced scriptwriters and delivered in a clear and professional tone. This means each message achieves its objectives, whether it’s welcoming passengers, promoting products for sale or providing safety instructions.