Doha: The 70th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Transport Summit 2014 ended on a high note in Doha on Tuesday after successful rounds of deliberations, key resolutions, negotiations and agreements were passed.
During a closing press briefing on the AGM, Qatar Airways (QA) was recognised for its innovation in passenger comfort with the Fast Travel Green Award by IATA. QA was praised for hosting a memorable and engaging conference and its CEO and President of the AGM, Akbar Al Baker, was applauded for his insight and guidance. Prominent issues discussed included aviation safety, financial viability and environmental sustainability.
IATA welcomed and recognised the participation of QA and Hamad International Airport in two key industry programmes that will help enhance security and passenger convenience.
“QA is proud to have hosted this year’s IATA AGM. It was just one year ago in Cape Town that we gathered for this forum, and now the 70th AGM has finally become a reality being held in Doha and the Gulf for the first time,” Al Baker told delegates.
“With the expansion of the aviation industry and the ever-growing aircraft manufacturing sector, we have together made travel easily accessible for the masses. Together we have opened up borders and air bridges making ways for enriched business and cultural exchanges.
“QA is a strong supporter of IATA and this year’s AGM has been a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase our Qatari hospitality, together with the new infrastructure developments in our country, such as our new state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport,” he said.
During the press conference at Ritz Carlton Doha, he confirmed that QA will pilot two key industry programmes to enhance security and improve passenger experience — Smart Security and Fast Travel. Smart Security is a project between IATA and Airports Council International to strengthen security and increase operational efficiency at airport checkpoints. It this by focusing resources based on risk, using advanced screening technologies and process innovations.
The Peninsula
