CALGARY — WestJet has launched its new artificial intelligence (AI) powered chatbot on Facebook Messenger.

Calling it the first ever AI powered chatbot from a Canadian airline, the chatbot, named ‘Juliet’, is available in English and French. WestJet says Juliet “enables travellers to easily manage many aspects of their trip including destination inspiration and discovery, flight booking and day-of travel information.

More details are at https://www.messenger.com/t/westjet.

“Juliet is the first of many ways WestJet will be raising the bar using digital to improve the guest experience, and make the travel journey easier and more enjoyable,” said Alfredo C. Tan, WestJet Chief Digital and Innovation Officer. “A majority of Internet users are already using a messenger platform, including Facebook Messenger. Launching Juliet gives even more access to quick, simple support on a platform that a majority of our guests already have at hand.”

Named after one of WestJet’s original aircraft, Juliet uses reinforcement learning with a combination of instruction, examples and experience, leading to better responses over time, according to the airline. WestJet says it will continue to add more functionality, features and capabilities to Juliet including availability on different platforms and voice interaction.