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Qatar Airways In flight maps experience Competitor Research

Competitor Research

Competitor Analysis

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Short Description

Singapore Airlines — KrisWorld

Singapore Airlines' KrisWorld system is a benchmark in the in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) industry. It offers a variety of media, on-demand services, and interactive features, making it a direct competitor in terms of adopting advanced personalized passenger experiences and integrating commerce options within their platform.

Emirates — ICE

Emirates' ICE (Information, Communication, Entertainment) system is renowned for its vast content library and user-friendly interface. ICE's leadership in integrating destination-based services and extensive multimedia options directly reflects the kind of immersive and contextually aware features described in the initiative brief.

Delta — Delta Studio

Delta Studio stands out for its accessibility and integration across various personal and seatback devices, providing passengers with a rich array of in-flight entertainment options. This directly competes with the envisioned personalised journey companion tool by offering advanced features that cater to diverse passenger needs and preferences.

Feature Availability

Singapore Airlines — KrisWorld

Singapore Airlines provides an interactive in-flight entertainment system under the brand KrisWorld, which includes advanced features but does not exactly match the comprehensive feature set of the Qatar-Maps Experience as described. However, they do offer various levels of engagement, making KrisWorld a core component of their in-flight service.

Emirates — ICE

Emirates' ICE (Information, Communication, Entertainment) system includes an interactive in-flight map as a core feature available on all classes.

Delta — Delta Studio

The feature, as it pertains to an interactive and enriched in-flight map, exists in a basic form within Delta Studio, primarily focusing on traditional flight tracking and minimal interactive services. It is considered a core part of the in-flight entertainment system.

Feature Observation

All three competitors—Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Delta—offer some form of in-flight map, but only Emirates ICE includes notable interactivity and destination links. However, none offer the depth of integration, cultural customisation, or commerce layers that the Qatar-Maps Experience proposes. This reveals a significant opportunity for Qatar Airways to lead the industry with a fully immersive, functional, and inclusive map platform. The lack of loyalty integration and post-flight continuity from competitors further differentiates Qatar’s approach.

Execution and Depth

Singapore Airlines — KrisWorld
  • KrisWorld includes a range of entertainment options from movies to games, which is expanded to include informative content about flight progress and destination details.
  • It integrates real-time data, although not to the extent of personalisation or context-aware advertising as envisaged by Qatar Airways.
  • Destinations information provided tends to be more generic rather than fully interactive or customisable.
Emirates — ICE
  • Emirates ICE features high definition real-time maps showing flight path and aircraft location.
  • The system includes informational overlays such as points of interest, geographic, and political maps.
  • Integration with content, allowing passengers to explore city guides, weather, and airport information for their destinations.
Delta — Delta Studio
  • Delta Studio offers flight tracking capabilities with basic map visuals, focusing on current flight status and route.
  • Interactivity and personalisation features are limited, lacking advanced customisation or integration with passenger preferences and profiles.
  • Content related to cultural relevance, destination insights, and commercial opportunities (such as merchandise sales) is generally static and not seamlessly integrated.
Execution Observation

Emirates leads in execution quality with advanced overlays and 3D views, while Singapore Airlines and Delta offer more basic or content-focused systems. None approach the contextual depth, flight-phase awareness, or AI-driven interaction Qatar is targeting. There’s a clear execution gap in personalised and emotionally intelligent features that Qatar can exploit. This suggests Qatar’s layered approach would position it far ahead in both technical and experiential depth.

User Experience

Singapore Airlines — KrisWorld

The KrisWorld interface is highly user-friendly, designed to cater to a wide demographic, including various language options and accessibility settings, which improve the in-flight experience for international travellers.

Emirates — ICE

The interactive maps on Emirates ICE are designed to be highly intuitive, with easy navigation tools and touch screen capabilities allowing passengers to explore, zoom, and interact with the map elements directly.

Delta — Delta Studio

User experience is functional but not highly sophisticated. The interface is intuitive enough for general navigation but does not support complex interactions or provide a deeply engaging user journey that adjusts dynamically to the flight phase or passenger needs.

UX Observations

While all competitors prioritise usability, only Emirates demonstrates a strong balance of interface richness and interactivity. Singapore and Delta trail in terms of dynamic engagement and contextual responsiveness. None include features like accessibility-first modes, family-specific experiences, or prayer time integration—creating a niche for Qatar’s highly inclusive design. Qatar can set a new UX benchmark by combining intuitive design with cultural and emotional intelligence.

Differentiation

Singapore Airlines — KrisWorld

KrisWorld differentiates itself through a vast library of media content and strategic partnerships with content providers, rather than focusing solely on the map functionality and interactive elements related to the flight path or destination.

Emirates — ICE

Emirates ICE stands out by offering 3D views and augmented reality features that provide a unique and highly engaging way of viewing one's journey compared to traditional 2D maps. Extensive multilingual support caters to Emirates' diverse international customer base.

Delta — Delta Studio

The Delta Studio map feature stands out primarily due to its accessibility across multiple device types, including seatback screens, overhead screens, and personal devices via the airline's Wi-Fi. However, it lacks the depth and customisation that competitors like Qatar Airways are aiming to achieve with their next-gen interactive maps.

Differentiation Observations

Singapore Airlines differentiates through content partnerships, Emirates through 3D and AR map capabilities, and Delta through device accessibility. However, none treat the map as a journey companion—a major opportunity for Qatar to establish a unique category. By integrating loyalty, commerce, and cultural storytelling, Qatar’s approach creates a defensible point of difference. Future-focused features like post-flight handoff and gamification further enhance defensibility.

Pricing and Packaging

Singapore Airlines — KrisWorld

KrisWorld is included as part of the in-flight service for all passengers, with no additional charge, making it an accessible feature for everyone aboard Singapore Airlines flights.

Emirates — ICE

The interactive map and its features are included as part of the core Emirates ICE system, available to all passengers at no additional cost.

Delta — Delta Studio

The mapping feature within Delta Studio is included as a part of the standard in-flight entertainment package without any additional costs, targeting all passenger classes without differentiation.

Pricing Observations

All competitors currently offer map features at no additional cost, positioning them as value-adds. Qatar can maintain this free model while layering monetisable experiences and loyalty-exclusive access to unlock new revenue paths. By offering premium experiences through optional purchases or member perks, Qatar can monetise without alienating non-paying passengers. This model also aligns well with its premium brand strategy.

Adoption Signals

Singapore Airlines — KrisWorld
  • Highly promoted in Emirates' marketing materials, emphasising its advanced ICE system for improved passenger experience.
  • Positive passenger reviews frequently highlight the interactive map feature.
  • Continuous updates and upgrades are apparent, based on user feedback and technological advances.
Emirates — ICE
  • Delta frequently promotes Delta Studio in its marketing materials as part of its overall in-flight entertainment offerings.
  • User feedback on platforms like social media or airline review sites often cites the functionality of in-flight entertainment, though detailed sentiments specifically about the map features are less common.
Delta — Delta Studio
  • Delta frequently promotes Delta Studio in its marketing materials as part of its overall in-flight entertainment offerings.
  • User feedback on platforms like social media or airline review sites often cites the functionality of in-flight entertainment, though detailed sentiments specifically about the map features are less common.
Adoption Observations

Emirates and Singapore actively promote their IFE systems, whereas Delta’s promotional focus is broader and less map-specific. None have strong adoption signals tied to interactive maps or emotional passenger engagement. Qatar can drive unique adoption metrics by measuring loyalty interactions, destination content engagement, and post-flight conversions. Marketing the map as a lifestyle and planning tool could increase brand stickiness and loyalty usage.

Strengths

Singapore Airlines — KrisWorld
  • Extensive content library with frequent updates keeps the entertainment options fresh and relevant.
  • High adoption rate due to being a standard service on all flights.
  • Strong partnerships with content providers ensure high-quality and diverse media selections.
Emirates — ICE
  • Refined user interface that enhances usability and engagement.
  • Feature-rich content that blends educational and entertainment value.
  • Universal access across all seats, making advanced map features available to every passenger.
Delta — Delta Studio
  • Wide accessibility across various devices enhances usability for all passengers.
  • Inclusion in the standard entertainment package ensures all passengers have access without additional fees.
  • Reliable basic functionality catering to users’ expectations of flight tracking.
Strengths Observations
  • Emirates leads in immersive visuals and multi-layered informational displays.
  • Singapore Airlines excels in media partnerships and consistent service-wide availability.
  • Delta's device accessibility provides flexibility for different user preferences.

Weaknesses

Singapore Airlines — KrisWorld
  • Limited customisation and personalisation in comparison to the Qatar-Maps Experience.
  • Interactivity with maps and destination content could be improved to enhance passenger engagement.
  • Lacks a targeted approach to revenue generation through such systems.
Emirates — ICE
  • Limits in personalisation, as the map does not connect directly with individual passenger needs and preferences.
  • The scope of interactive features is extensive but can be overwhelming for less tech-savvy users.
  • Reliance on aircraft systems could affect performance when systems face technical issues.
Delta — Delta Studio
  • Limited personalisation and interactivity compared to emerging competitors’ offerings.
  • Lack of integration with external content providers limits the potential for commercial upselling.
  • Minimal cultural and destination-specific content which could enhance the travel experience.
Weaknesses Observations
  • None of the competitors offer cultural or religious inclusivity features.
  • Limited interactivity and personalisation across all systems restrict engagement depth.
  • Map features lack seamless integration with loyalty, commerce, or post-flight planning tools.

Opportunities

Singapore Airlines — KrisWorld
  • Introducing more personalised content and services based on the passenger's travel history and preferences.
  • Expanding destination-specific content and partnerships to include local experiences that can be booked during flight.
  • Enhancing the map interfaces to provide more engagement and travel-related functionalities.
Emirates — ICE
  • Integrate with passenger itineraries and personal travel plans for a more tailored experience.
  • Expand partnerships for destination-specific content and commerce, leveraging local businesses and attractions.
  • Enhancements in personal device integration to allow continuity post-flight.
Delta — Delta Studio
  • Developing partnerships with cultural and tourism organisations to enrich the destination insights could significantly enhance passenger engagement.
  • Incorporating real-time, dynamic content and interactivity could transform the user experience and unlock new revenue streams.
  • Improving family-friendly and accessibility options, conforming to global accessibility standards, could widen the appeal and usability of the feature.
Opportunitiy Observations
  • Introduce a culturally respectful, emotionally intelligent, and inclusive map experience unmatched in the market.
  • Monetise destination content and experiences via loyalty-linked commerce integrations.
  • Extend engagement beyond the flight with saved content and post-flight planning.
  • Leverage gamified exploration to increase onboard engagement without disrupting premium passenger expectations.

Threats

Singapore Airlines — KrisWorld
  • Rising competition from other airlines implementing more advanced and integrated map and entertainment systems.
  • Changes in consumer expectations towards more interactive and helpful in-flight systems.
  • Technical challenges in keeping the systems updated and integrated seamlessly with comprehensive features like live data and AI-driven insights.
Emirates — ICE
  • Advances by competitors offering more personalised and integrated map experiences could overshadow Emirates ICE.
  • Changes in technology and passenger expectations could demand constant significant updates, requiring continuous investment.
  • Data privacy concerns might arise with deeper integration of personal data within the map interface.
Delta — Delta Studio
  • Rising passenger expectations for digital services may put Delta at a disadvantage if updates to Delta Studio do not keep pace with competitors.
  • Innovative features by rivals could lead to a loss in competitive edge, particularly regarding passenger engagement and satisfaction.
  • Operational challenges in integrating more sophisticated technologies smoothly into the existing IFE framework.
Threat Observations
  • Emirates or Singapore could quickly evolve their platforms to mimic key Qatar features post-launch.
  • Increased investment by IFE vendors in customisable UX platforms could accelerate competitor innovation.
  • Passenger expectations for data privacy and seamless device continuity may raise technical and compliance challenges.
  • Qatar's premium positioning must avoid overcomplicating the experience for less tech-savvy travellers.

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