Dubai: Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, has launched the world's first AI-powered digital human cabin crew, Sama 2.0, at the ITB Berlin 2024 travel trade show. The holographic virtual cabin crew has been developed to assist passengers in designing curated travel experiences.
It is powered by innovative conversational AI, enabling it to interact with visitors and media. UneeQ, an AI digital human technology leader, develops the cabin crew. It is accessible through QVerse, Qatar Airways' immersive digital platform, and the Qatar Airways app.
What does Sama mean?
In Arabic, Sama, meaning 'sky', can answer real-time questions such as FAQs, destinations, and support tips. The digital human cabin crew will continue learning and developing to improve passenger interactions. Qatar Airways Vice President Marketing Babar Rahman said that Sama 2.0 represents the airline's relentless pursuit of innovation and embodies its exceptional service and hospitality values.
Reflects Qatar's commitment to technology
Danny Tomsett, CEO of UneeQ, said that Sama is a testament to the endless possibilities of AI. It is capable of delivering personalised and engaging interactions that mirror human conversation. The cabin crew is also expected to create benchmarks for personalised and functional service interactions in air travel.
Qatar Airways has been continually lauded for its innovative efforts and recently received the World Travel Tech Awards for the World's Best Airline Website. The airline launched its Generative AI experience for hassle-free and personalised travel planning at the Web Summit Qatar.
How does Sama work?
The experience utilises comprehensive visual interactions and an interactive 3D map to understand customers' travel preferences, eliminating the need for manual searches. Customers can seamlessly receive suggestions for their dream journeys across Qatar Airways' network of over 170 destinations.
The synergy between human and technology
The launch of Sama 2.0 marks a monumental point in spearheading the successful synergy between technology and human connection for Qatar Airways and the industry. The airline affirms its commitment to leading and collaborating with innovation experts to create pioneering products and services for its customers.