Qatar Airways Sets The Bar High With Launch Of A Completely Touch Free IFE System

The application of contactless technology has made a big leap over the past year, and for very good reasons. In the latest bid to eliminate as many contact surfaces as possible during the travel experience – and perhaps gain the trust of an anxious traveler or two - Qatar Airways is launching an entirely touch-free version of its award-winning Oryx One in-flight entertainment system as part of the airline’s latest COVID-19 safety measures.

The Zero-Touch technology which is being introduced in partnership with the Thales AVANT IFE system will allow passengers flying aboard on Qatar Airways’ Airbus A350s to pair their personal electronic devices with their seat-back IFE screen by connecting to ‘Oryxcomms’ Wi-Fi and simply scanning a QR code displayed on the screen. By scanning a QR-code, they will be able to control the system via their personal electronic devices and navigate through more than 4,000 options on offer.

Moreover, when implementing the system on the carrier’s Boeing 787-9 fleet, there will be an option to pair personal Bluetooth headphones with the seatback IFE system in all cabins which will make them the first airline in Europe and the Middle East and North Africa region to offer passengers in Business and Economy class, the option.

Being the first global airline to implement such a feature, Qatar Airways notes that it also part of a drive to re-inspire customer confidence in air travel. While restrictions may still make it difficult to hop around the planet, trust is certain to be one of the major factors for airline recovery in the years to come.

(Picture: Qatar Airways)