How Sama 2.0, the World’s First AI Attendant, is Redefining Airline Assistance for Qatar Airways Passengers ?

TTW · Apr 20, 2024

SAMA 2.0, AI flight attendant, Qatar Airways,

Discover how Sama 2.0, the first AI flight attendant, is transforming Qatar Airways‘ passenger service with innovative, personalized assistance.

Qatar Airways made a significant stride by introducing Sama 2.0, its holographic virtual cabin crew. This initiative marks the first instance worldwide where an airline has employed an AI-driven digital human to enhance passenger interactions, crafting tailored travel experiences. Named ‘Sama’, meaning ‘sky’ in Arabic, this virtual assistant took the spotlight at Qatar Airways’ booth, captivating both attendees and media with its capabilities.

Sama 2.0 engages with queries on-the-fly including frequent questions about Qatar Airways, various destinations, and helpful travel tips. It operates through the airline’s QVerse, an immersive digital environment, and is integrated within the Qatar Airways mobile app.

The development of Sama was a collaborative effort with UneeQ, a pioneer in digital human AI technology. This partnership leverages UneeQ’s cutting-edge platform to refine the digital aspects of travel, establishing new benchmarks for the aviation sector in personalized and effective service interactions.

Qatar Airways Vice President Marketing, Babar Rahman, said: “Sama 2.0 represents our relentless pursuit of innovation, and embodies Qatar Airways’ values of exceptional service and hospitality. This is a monumental point in spearheading the successful synergy between technology and human connection – not only for Qatar Airways, but also for the industry at large. Qatar Airways affirms its commitment to leading and collaborating with innovation experts to create pioneering products and services for its customers.”

UneeQ Chief Executive Officer, Danny Tomsett, said: “Sama embodies UneeQ’s commitment to blending technology with empathy and personalisation, providing an innovative solution that aligns with Qatar Airways’ reputation for world-class service. She’s a testament to the endless possibilities of AI, capable of delivering personalised and engaging interactions that mirror human conversation.”

Qatar Airways has consistently been recognized for its pioneering use of technology to improve the travel experience, recently earning accolades from the World Travel Tech Awards for having the Best Airline Website globally.

Furthermore, at the Web Summit Qatar, the airline introduced its Generative AI tool designed to simplify travel planning. This feature offers a visually rich and interactive 3D map, capturing users’ travel preferences to suggest ideal itineraries across the airline’s extensive network of destinations, thereby streamlining the travel planning process.

Guidelines for Utilizing Sama 2.0

Step 1: Install the Qatar Airways Mobile Application
Step 2: Access Sama 2.0 from within the application.
Step 3: Utilize Various Features

Complete check-in procedures and obtain your boarding pass.
Explore options for in-flight entertainment and set your preferences for movies or music ahead of time.
Gather information about your destination, including attractions, cultural activities, and restaurant suggestions.
Step 4: Interact with Sama 2.0 by asking questions and receiving prompt responses.
Bonus Tip: Get acquainted with the features of Sama 2.0 prior to your journey to leverage its full potential and streamline your airport experience.

Advantages of the AI Flight Assistant Sama 2.0

The deployment of AI-driven cabin crew like Sama 2.0 brings several advantages for travelers and airlines alike. Here are the key benefits:

Improved Travel Experience: With round-the-clock access to support and information, Sama 2.0 enhances passenger autonomy and satisfaction throughout their travels.
Multilingual Assistance: Envision a cabin crew member fluent in numerous languages, capable of breaking down language barriers and ensuring effective communication for international travelers.
Customized Assistance: Sama 2.0 adapts to individual passenger needs, providing customized recommendations, from selecting entertainment options onboard to suggesting dining spots at the destination.
Increased Operational Efficiency: AI assistants manage regular queries efficiently, allowing human attendants to concentrate on complex interactions and provide personalized care where necessary.