The 70th International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) wrapped up in Doha with a press conference attended by more than 100 international media, at which Qatar Airways was recognised for its innovation in passenger comfort.
During the press conference at the Ritz Carlton hotel, Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Airways, who was appointed president of this year’s AGM, confirmed that Qatar Airways will pilot two key industry programmes aimed at enhancing security and improving passenger experience, Smart Security and Fast Travel.
“Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport are committed to giving passengers the best experience possible. To do that we are working in close partnership to give our passengers the self-service options that they increasingly expect. And we are also pleased to be among the world’s pioneering airports for Smart Security. Our new state-of-the-art gateway, Hamad International Airport, and Qatar Airways want HIA to become the hub of choice for passengers. Smart Security and Fast Travel will be two of the key elements in that success,” said Al Baker.
Smart Security is a joint project between IATA and the Airports Council International (ACI) to strengthen security and increase operational efficiency at airport checkpoints. Smart Security achieves this by focusing resources based on risk, using advanced screening technologies and process innovations.
“We are delighted that Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport are partners in the Smart Security and Fast Travel initiatives. Qatar and Hamad join a growing group of visionary airlines and airports that are committed to the collaborative optimisation of procedures and technology,” said Tony Tyler, Director General and CEO, IATA.
“The community of airports around the world is working assiduously to increase the promotion of excellence in all aspects of their activities and passenger care is at the forefront of our efforts. Collaboration between industry stakeholders extends our reach and makes progress possible. Smart Security, driven by ACI and IATA, is one of the solutions that will increase passenger satisfaction by reducing the hassle factor associated with current processes. We congratulate Hamad International Airport for spearheading the transformation of the security checkpoint and we look forward to seeing the benefits that Smart Security will bring to our passengers,” said Angela Gittens, Director General, ACI.
Furthermore, in recognition of the airline’s achievement in already giving passengers greater choice, convenience, and control over their journey at Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways was awarded the Fast Travel Green Award by IATA. Hamad International Airport already offers five of the six Fast Travel options for self-service, including Check-in, Bags-Ready-To-Go (My Q-Tag), Flight Rebooking, Self-Boarding, and Baggage Recovery. Plans are also in place for the implementation of Document Check, the last of the Fast Travel options.
This year’s IATA AGM took place in Doha from 1 to 3 June 2014 and is particularly significant as the aviation industry is celebrating 100 years since the commencement of the first scheduled commercial flight. It is also the first time the event has been held in the Middle East since Amman, Jordan, in 1997 and the first time in the Gulf region.
More than 240 airlines around the world are members of IATA and the AGM attracted more than 1,000 senior aviation industry delegates, including more than 200 international media. Key themes of airline industry reputation, the global aviation skills supply and aircraft noise developments were all discussed during the three-day conference.
