DOHA: Qatar Airways (QA) is the first airline in the Middle East to achieve platinum status in the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA’s) Fast Travel Programme in recognition of its success in using innovative technology to provide passengers with quick and convenient air travel.
Mohsen Alyafei, Executive Vice- President, QA, received the accolade on behalf of Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive, QA, yesterday from Pierre Charbonneau, Director Passenger, IATA, at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl, where the airline is hosting the Passenger Experience Management Group.
The airline met IATA’s highest Fast Travel standard by implementing self-service systems that address worldwide passenger demands for more choice, convenience and control over their travel experience.
QA uses new technologies, from kiosks to mobile apps, to offer self-serve channels, enabling passengers to check in, print Q-tag baggage labels at home and access quick bag drop facilities worldwide, scan their travel documents, re-book flights, self-board and report missing bags online.
Al Baker, said: “QA is the first airline in the Middle East to achieve IATA’s platinum accolade, and only the sixth in the world to accomplish this high-level standard since the Fast Travel Programme’s foundation.
“This is a significant achievement for the airline and furthers our ambition to redefine the passenger experience.
“Passenger needs are at the heart of our service design and we want to provide all of our guests with the very best travel experience.
“For those passengers comfortable using technology, QA has provided opportunity to self-serve, giving them the control and flexibility they desire throughout their journey with us.”
The airline industry’s Fast Travel initiative comprises six criteria and three standards — green, gold and platinum.
QA has achieved platinum status for offering self-service facilities to more than 80 percent of its passengers travelling through its state-of-the-art hub Hamad International Airport and across its global network.
In 2014, QA received the Fast Travel green status for streamlining its travel processes and became the first airline in the region to enable passengers to print baggage tags at home.
Nick Careen, Senior Vice-President, Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security, IATA, said: “QA’s ongoing efforts and innovative solutions mean that more than 80 percent of its passengers are now offered solutions that enable them to manage their journey.
“According to industry surveys, over 50 percent of passengers want to speed up air travel experience and around 75 percent worldwide want more self-service options.
“Ultimately, by providing more choice and more control for passengers, airlines can achieve lower costs and billions of dollars in annual savings for the industry,” he added.
The Peninsula
