The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed and recognized the participation of Qatar Airways and the newly opened Hamad International Airport, Doha, in two key industry programs that enhance security and improve passenger convenience.
Smart Security: Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways, Airports Council International (ACI), and IATA signed an agreement for a pilot program for Smart Security. Smart Security is a joint project between IATA and ACI to strengthen security, improve the passenger experience, and increase operational efficiency at airport checkpoints. Smart Security achieves this by strengthening security by focusing resources based on risk, using advanced screening technologies and process innovations. The pilot at Hamad International Airport is the third globally, after agreements with Amsterdam-Schiphol and London-Heathrow.
Fast Travel: Doha’s Hamad International Airport includes five of the six Fast Travel options for self-service. These are Check-in, Bags-Ready-To-Go (known locally as the Qatar Airways My Q-Tag service), 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. In recognition of its achievement in giving passengers greater choice, convenience, and control over their journey, Qatar Airways was given the Fast Travel Green Award.
“Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport are committed to giving passengers the best experience possible,” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker. “To do that we are working in close partnership to give our passengers the self-service options that they increasingly expect. And we are 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 Hamad International Airport to become the hub of choice for passengers. Smart Security and Fast Travel will be two of the key elements in that success.”
“We are delighted that Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport are partners in the Smart Security and Fast Travel initiatives. They join a growing group of visionary airlines and airports that are committed to the collaborative optimization of procedures and technology,” Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO, said.
“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,” Angela Gittens, ACI’s Director General, said.
The agreement was signed and awards presented at the conclusion of the IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Doha, Qatar.