Airline innovates to establish global best-practice training and safety standards on airport ramps on its worldwide network.
DOHA, QATAR – Qatar Airways is leading the adoption of virtual reality into aviation ground operations training, as IATA’s global launch partner of RampVR. The award-winning system pioneered by IATA, utilises the latest virtual-reality technology to simulate real airside conditions for ground handling and ground service operator training. The RampVR system is being used by Qatar Airways’ Talent Development department to train its ground operations teams.
In a major innovation in aviation ground operations training, the airline’s Talent Development decision-makers have taken the global lead by being the first to implement the new technology at their Doha-based training headquarters. The new system is being used to train airside operational and management staff through immersion into a real-time, live experience, while being in a safe and controlled training environment.
In another major innovation the specialised training division is launching a newly developed Airport Managers Performance Programme to all of the airline’s airport managers across the globe, where the RampVR system will be utilised to enhance aircraft turnaround checks to maximise efficiency and ensure optimal safety of aircraft on the ramp.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “As the world's leading innovative airline, we are always looking at new technology that will keep us ahead of our competitors. Utilising RampVR™, we are the worlds’ first airline to partner with IATA in launching this Virtual Reality system, which brings an immersive and safe way of training our staff to the highest standards.”
IATA’s Senior Vice President, Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security, Mr. Nick Careen, said: “Talent Development is essential to making our industry safe, secure and sustainable. Innovative technology is the key. VR in the learning context increases knowledge retention by as much as four times while improving motivation and engagement. VR is here to stay and we are already considering expanding its use in different training areas. We value the guidance and expertise that Qatar Airways bring to this strategic tools future development and applications.”
Ramp VR can be programmed to simulate all light, weather, hazard and operational conditions in which staff members can find themselves, and create an endless variety of problem-solving opportunities while trainees are immersed in a ‘real’ ramp environment. The technology allows for the immediate practical application and embedding of theory while staff are still in the training environment, eliminating any safety risk to staff and aircraft. Qatar Airways is using the ‘Aircraft Turnaround Check’ and ‘Marshalling’ training modules, the first of a suite of modules that covers a wide range of aviation training needs with reduced time and training costs. IATA project staff meet regularly with Qatar Airways Talent Development’s team to review training results and plan future developments.
RampVR is a key tool in IATA’s ‘Ramp of the Future’ initiative, recognising the need for rapidly increasing the knowledge and skills of all ground operations staff as well as providing a global standard of safety and operational best practices. ‘Ramp of the Future’ aims to accelerate the modernisation of processes aligned with a common vision for the future of ground operations, and relies on increased collaboration from all stakeholders.
While Qatar Airways has a strong record of participation in IATA initiatives and working groups, this new partnership will be of far-reaching benefit to aviation industry members globally.
Earlier this year, Qatar Airways revealed a host of upcoming new global destinations, including the announcement that it will be the first Gulf carrier to begin direct service to Luxembourg. Other exciting new destinations to be launched by the airline include Gothenburg, Sweden; Tallinn, Estonia; Valletta, Malta; and Da Nang, Vietnam.
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Business Class Seat’, ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge’.
Qatar Airways to launch direct flights to Da Nang, Vietnam from 19 December 2018
Qatar Airways also announced the launch of direct flights to Da Nang, Vietnam, starting 19 December 2018. The beautiful coastal city will be the third Vietnamese destination on the award-winning airline’s rapidly expanding global network.
The four-times weekly flights will be served with a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, featuring 22 seats in Business Class and 232 seats in Economy Class.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of our newest gateway to Vietnam, the beautiful city of Da Nang. This new direct route demonstrates our commitment to expanding our presence in the Far East, a highly-important market for Qatar Airways.
“Our existing services to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are already incredibly popular. Every day, thousands of passengers experience a seamless connection between flights through our state-of-the-art Doha hub at Hamad International Airport, and now we have made it even easier for travellers to reach these increasingly popular Asian destinations. We look forward to enabling our passengers to experience the beautiful coastal scenery of Da Nang, and will continue to explore opportunities to expand further in the Far East.”
Qatar Airways began direct services to Ho Chi Minh City in 2007, and launched its Hanoi service in 2010. Currently, the airline provides twice-daily direct flights to Vietnam’s capital city and 10 times weekly flights to Ho Chi Minh City. In October 2017, Qatar Airways announced its interline partnership with Vietnam-based Vietjet Air, allowing Qatar Airways’ passengers to travel to and from points in Vietnam not served directly by Qatar Airways using a single reservation across both airlines’ networks.
Director of Da Nang Tourism Department, Mr. Ngo Quang Vinh, said: “Da Nang is becoming increasingly popular among tourists, and has experienced extraordinary development since 2008. As of June 2018, Da Nang has welcomed the presence of 24 international airlines, operating 15 frequent direct flights to and from overseas destinations. We are delighted to welcome Qatar Airways, the award-winning airline playing a crucial role in strengthening the connection of Da Nang to the world. We are looking forward to welcoming more tourists to Da Nang, and we will continue our efforts to transform Da Nang into an outstanding global destination.”
Da Nang, one of the largest cities in Vietnam, is known for its sandy beaches and remarkable history as a French colonial port. This charming city offers magnificent views of Da Nang Bay and its beautiful Marble Mountains, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing summer vacation. Da Nang has also seen a tremendous increase in its number of visitors, with a record-breaking 6.6 million tourists in 2017, doubling the figure in 2013. In 2015, the New York Times also listed Da Nang among the top 52 places to visit.
As part of its continued expansion plans, Qatar Airways plans a host of exciting new destinations throughout 2018, including Gothenburg, Sweden; Tallinn, Estonia and Valletta, Malta, just to name a few.
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Business Class Seat’, ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge.’
Inaugural flight schedule for 19 December 2018:
- Doha-Da Nang: Departs Doha 02:30hrs, Arrives Da Nang 13:20hrs
- Da Nang-Doha: Departs Da Nang 19:15hrs, Arrives Doha 23:45hrs
Regular Flight schedule:
Doha-Da Nang
- Mondays and Saturdays: Departs Doha 07:15hrs, Arrives Da Nang 18:05hrs
- Tuesdays and Thursdays: Departs Doha 20:10hrs, Arrives Da Nang 07:01hrs (+1)
Da Nang-Doha
- Mondays and Saturdays: Departs Da Nang 19:35hrs, Arrives Doha 00:05hrs (+1)
- Wednesdays and Fridays: Departs Da Nang 08:30hrs, Arrives Doha 13:00hrs
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
