IATA recognizes AIG and RJ for achievements in Fast Travel Program

Airport International Group (AIG), the Jordanian consortium responsible for the rehabilitation, expansion, and operation of the Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA), and Royal Jordanian Airlines were recently awarded certificates for achievements in the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Fast Travel Program. As part of the program, the QAIA and RJ were able to demonstrate a high-level of performance in several key areas: passenger check-in, rapid luggage check-in, flight re-booking, and self-boarding. The QAIA and RJ are only the second airport/national carrier pair in the region to receive this distinction.

IATA’s Regional Vice President for Middle East and North Africa, Dr. Majdi Sabri delivered this global recognition to RJ President/CEO Hussein Dabbas and CEO of AIG Kjeld Binger in a ceremony that was held at the IATA premises in Amman on May 30.  “We congratulate Royal Jordanian and Queen Alia International Airport on successfully implementing Fast Travel. As a result of their efforts, passengers will have an enhanced experience through more self-service choice, and airline costs will be reduced. With this achievement, RJ and QAIA continue to set the standard as a leading airline and airport in the region,” he said.

The IATA developed the Fast Travel initiative in response to the growing passenger demands for more adequate and speedy travel procedures at airports. The primary goal of the program is the reduction of airline costs and the enhancement of the passenger experiences by offering a range of self-service options throughout the travel journey.  According to the 2009 IATA Corporate Air Travel Survey (CATS) conducted on worldwide passengers, 50% of the passengers said they would prefer more self-service options to speed up their journey rather than queuing for check-in.

“We are certainly proud of this accomplishment, and it would not have been possible were it not for the competency and professionalism of our employees,” commented Kjeld Binger, CEO of AIG. “Since assuming operational management of the QAIA five years ago, it has been the top priority of AIG to achieve the highest levels of service for visitors coming through our airport. When evaluators from such a prominent body as the IATA confirm that we are meeting global standards in providing convenient services for travellers, it validates all of our efforts to date.”

“As the national carrier partner in Jordan for the Fast Travel program, Royal Jordanian Airlines is proud of its contribution in this latest milestone in Jordanian aviation,” remarked Hussein Dabbas, RJ president/CEO “We have worked closely with AIG to implement the IATA’s best practice guidelines for every stage of the traveller experience at the QAIA, from when they arrive at the airport and wish to rapidly check their bags, to when they self-board and get seated in one of RJ’s ultra-modern passenger aircraft. The hard work has paid off, and we can confidently say that the combined efforts of AIG and RJ have produced some really exceptional results in the area of traveller services.”

NOTES

Queen Alia International Airport has experienced continuous growth in passenger traffic in recent years, with 2011 marking a new high of 5.5 million travelers. To increase capacity AIG has spent US $100 million on rehabilitating the existing terminals and is investing US $750 million in the construction of a new state-of-the-art terminal to develop QAIA as a regional niche hub, as well as serve as a source of pride and prosperity for all Jordanians.

Royal Jordanian serves some of 60 direct destinations with its young fleet, in addition to 800 airports in 150 countries served by its partners in the Oneworld airline alliance.  Royal Jordanian is committed to offering its passengers a seamless travel experience through online check in, fast luggage check in, flight rebooking and self-boarding facilities. It is modernizing its fleet and cabin interiors and expanding its route network accompanied with robust connectivity.

IATA, the International Air Transport Association, represents some 240 airlines comprising 84% of global air traffic. You can follow IATA at https://twitter.com/iata2press for news specially catered for the media.