Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 19 | Page 10

NEWS QATAR Hamad International Airport signs partnership with Huawei for digital transformation Huawei and Hamad International Airport have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, formalising a strategic partnership to enable the airport’s digital transformation. The MoU provides a broad framework for collaboration between Hamad International Airport and Huawei for co-creation of innovative concepts, prototypes and solutions using cutting-edge technologies, particularly in the areas of IoT and autonomous machines, to address real business challenges and opportunities. The objective is to accelerate digital transformation at Hamad International Airport and to share the solutions with the community for wider benefit of the air transport industry. Through this cooperation, Hamad International Airport aims to improve the passenger experience, enhance security and communication, and increase operational efficiency. Hamad International Airport, located in Doha, Qatar, recently joined the exclusive ranks of global airports awarded the prestigious 5-Star Airport designation by Skytrax, the London- based aviation institute and the gold standard for conveying the passenger’s voice in airport and airline rankings. This makes Hamad International Airport the first airport in the Middle East to earn this acclaimed title and the 6th airport globally to be rewarded that accreditation. Also, Hamad International Airport won the West Asia-Best Airport award for two consecutive years 2015 and 2016 by Future Travel Experience Awards – Asia. Commenting on the cooperation with Huawei, Eng Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, said: “Innovative technology will continue to drive digital transformation at Hamad International Airport. Through this strategic alliance with Huawei, which also provides access to its eco-system of niche partners, we aim to accelerate our journey and to demonstrate our commitment to the industry by sharing viable concepts and solutions that may be developed through this partnership.” ¡ Qatar Airlines adopts broadband solution Inmarsat, a leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, has announced that Qatar Airways has become the first Middle East megacarrier to select its advanced new GX Aviation in-flight broadband solution. In a landmark agreement, the next-generation service will initially be available to Qatar Airways passengers on board more than 130 aircraft, consisting of Airbus A350s and Boeing 777s. GX Aviation technology has already been equipped on Qatar Airways’ latest Airbus A350s; installations on the airline’s remaining Airbus A350s, together with the Boeing 777s, will commence this summer. GX Aviation is the world’s first in-flight 10 INTELLIGENTCIO connectivity solution with reliable, seamless high-speed global coverage provided through a single operator. It allows airline passengers to browse the internet, stream videos, check social media and more during flights, with an on board connectivity experience on par with broadband services available on the ground. access to consistent, reliable and high- speed connectivity wherever they fly. Leo Mondale, President of Inmarsat Aviation, said: “Qatar Airways is one of the world’s most successful, fastest growing and in-demand airlines, with an unwavering focus on providing the best service possible. It has offered Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband connectivity solution for over five years now. However, with our next generation GX Aviation service now live, its upgrade to true broadband on more than 130 aircraft initially will ensure passengers have The service will integrate with Qatar Airways’ award-winning in-flight entertainment system and ensure that connectivity initiatives, such as its passenger app and aircraft technology, will be strengthened using dependable in-flight broadband. GX Aviation also complements the airline’s latest passenger experience innovations, including its unique and revolutionary new Qsuite premium travel experience. ¡ “Qatar Airways considered all available options in the connectivity market and selected Inmarsat due to our unique infrastructure, proven aerospace partners, and committed long-term development strategy.” www.intelligentcio.com