As airlines try to differentiate their offerings from the competition, they often introduce new features to enhance customer experience. Etihad has done something similar by using digital solutions to use real-time updates and requests from travelers. The development comes as the airline is busy expanding its network and welcoming more passengers, according to its latest numbers for September.
Using technology for better customer experience
Etihad Airways
has announced that its Digital Transformation and Innovation team has developed a new tech called Skypad that will enhance the inflight experience for passengers and streamline things like meal services and onboard resource management.
As part of this initiative to personalize the cabin service, Etihad has already started supplying tablets equipped with the SkyPad application and other key tools to its cabin crew members in premium cabins.
Photo: Etihad
The airline highlights that the new piece of tech allows crew members to know what the passengers need in real-time flight updates and helps them anticipate their needs, which can then be addressed in a timely manner and enhance the overall experience. Turky Alhammadi, Director of Product Development & Hospitality at Etihad Airways, commented,
“At Etihad, we’re committed to embracing technology that enhances our guests’ journey. Skypad embodies our dedication to excellence, blending innovation with our world-renowned hospitality.”
What could one expect?
The immediate application of Skypad will be during the meal service. The app’s Meal Order Taking feature reduces the number of steps in the overall process of taking and completing a passenger’s order, resulting in a better dining experience for the guests.
Photo: Etihad
Etihad explains that the “system’s real-time inventory tracking enables precise management of onboard resources, reducing waste and improving sustainability efforts.” Alhammadi adds,
“The introduction of Skypad marks a new chapter in our service evolution. We’re continuously working on new functionalities to make this tool even more effective, always with the goal of providing an unparalleled guest experience.”
Of course, the airline plans to expand the role of Skypad to include other points in the service and is exploring several other ways to personalize the guest experience both in the air and on the ground. It’ll be interesting to see how this evolves in the coming months.
Photo: Etihad
More routes, more passengers
Etihad’s latest announcement comes as the airline is seeing a year-on-year increase in the number of passengers and an expansion of its global network. The airline revealed its travel statistics for the month of September, highlighting how it remained busy during the summer holiday season.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways said that the airline has flown 13.6 million passengers so far this year, which translates into a 35% increase from the previous year. He added, “As of September 2024, the airline’s rolling 12-month passenger total stands at 17.5 million, up from 10 million in 2022, underlining the pace of our growth in less than two years.”
Photo: Soos Jozsef | Shutterstock
Indeed, the airline is busy increasing its global footprint and now has more than 75 destinations in its network as opposed to 68 around this time in 2023. Hopefully, the new cabin features and innovations will continue to attract more travelers to Etihad.
Related
What Etihad Airways’ Chief Says About More Airbus A380 Flying & Coming A321LRs
Has the airline really learned lessons from the past?