(MENAFN- The Peninsula) To improve efficiency and enhance passenger safety and security, an agreement has been signed for a pilot programme to implement an innovative and advanced 'Smart Security" system at Hamad International Airport (HIA).
It was inked by HIA, Qatar Airways (QA), Airports Council International (ACI) and International Air Transport Association (IATA).
In a statement, IATA said 'Smart Security' is a joint project between IATA and ACI to strengthen security, improve passenger's travel experience and increase operational efficiency at airport checkpoints by providing them with the option of self-service.
The innovative technology achieves this through a risk-based approach, advanced screening technologies and process innovations. The pilot at the airport is third, after agreements with Amsterdam-Schiphol and London-Heathrow.
IATA, which represents about 84 percent of global air travellers, welcomed and recognised the participation of QA and HIA in two key industry programmes - Smart Security and Fast Travel - which will improve security and passenger convenience.
Under the 'Fast Travel' solution, HIA includes five of the six options for self-service. These are check-in, bags-ready-to-go, document check, flight rebooking, self-boarding and baggage recovery.
Plans are in place for implementation of document check, the last option. In recognition of its achievement in giving passengers greater choice, convenience and control over their journey, QA was presented with the Fast Travel Green Award.
"QA and HIA are committed to giving passengers the best experience possible. To do that, we are working in partnership to give customers self-service options they increasingly expect. And we are pleased to be among the pioneering airports in Smart Security.
"HIA and QA want to be the hub of choice for passengers. Smart Security and Fast Travel will be key elements of our success," said Akbar Al Baker, CEO, QA.
"To do that, we are working in partnership to give our passengers self-service options 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, HIA, and QA want the airport to become the hub of choice for passengers. Smart Security and Fast Travel will be two of the key elements in that success," he added.
"We are delighted that QA and HIA are partners in the Smart Security and Fast Travel initiatives. They join a growing group of visionary airlines and airports committed to 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 HIA for spearheading the transformation of the security checkpoint and we look forward to seeing benefits Smart Security will bring to our passengers," said Angela Gittens, Director-General, ACI.
The agreement was signed and awards were presented at the conclusion of IATA's 70th Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit.
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