Doha International Airport to host 2013 ASQ Airport Forum

Doha International Airport (DIA) will be hosting the 2013 ASQ Airport Forum for Asia, Middle East and Africa, between 10 and 12 September at the Oryx Rotana Hotel.

The event is the annual meeting of participants in the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Programme, and will bring together key airport delegates from around the region to share best practices on effective management of passenger satisfaction.

Some 100 senior delegates will be attending the important annual industry forum to share expert insights on how airports may improve the quality of service provided to passengers, as well as to address the challenges and opportunities in relation to passenger satisfaction. Amongst the key themes that will headline the agenda include airport security, smoking policies, airport cleanliness, wireless internet provision, and a look at what passengers want from a retail perspective.

Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, commented that the airport industry has had to change dramatically in recent times in response to game-changing trends within the airline sector as well as in passenger expectations.

“In order to stay ahead of the game, airports now need to create capacity fast, either through new innovations or by expanding existing infrastructure. The concept of airport cities, which once was unheard off is now a common goal for many airport development projects around the world. Airport designs now have to be tailored towards their key airline customers. Furthermore, airports are increasingly becoming retail and cultural destinations because passenger expectations demand it”, said Al Baker, who will be speaking at the event.

“Airports are the first point of contact that passengers have with the host country and it is therefore vital that their first impressions are positive. With DIA witnessing incredible growth in passenger traffic in recent years, we are committed to enhancing their experience in all areas of service. Passenger engagement and satisfaction will continue to take priority as we prepare to transition to Hamad International Airport ”, added Al Baker.