Emirates Successfully Conducts Practice Journey Through 17 Cities
In a significant stride towards inclusivity, Emirates, the Dubai-based airline, has been certified as the world's first Autism Certified AirlineTM. This milestone marks the airline's commitment to making air travel more accessible for passengers on the autism spectrum.
Over 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff at Emirates have undergone specialized training to better support neurodiverse passengers, ensuring a smoother and more confident travel experience. This extensive crew training is central to the airline's mission, aiming to increase awareness and provide specialized care throughout the journey.
The airline's partnership with Dubai International Airport, the world’s first Certified Autism Centre™ airport, further enhances travel confidence and comfort for neurodiverse travelers. This collaboration helps create a supportive airport environment tailored to the needs of passengers with autism.
One of the key initiatives in Emirates' mission is the Travel Rehearsal program. Originally a community collaboration in Dubai, the program has expanded to 17 cities globally, including Dubai, Barcelona, Brisbane, and Toronto. The program is designed to ease anxiety and build familiarity for children with autism before real journeys, allowing them to simulate the airport experience.
During April, Emirates showcased neurodiversity on its inflight entertainment system, ice, as part of Autism Awareness Month. The curated content focused on autism awareness, further reinforcing the airline's commitment to inclusivity.
Adel Al Redha, the Deputy President and COO of Emirates, emphasizes that this commitment is not just a campaign for Emirates, but a core value. The airline is delivering the Travel Rehearsal program through collaboration with local authorities, schools, and autism centers.
Many individuals have cited the Travel Rehearsal program as a game-changer for children who previously struggled with the unpredictability of air travel. The program has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, therapists, and educators.
Emirates' efforts to make air travel more inclusive reflect a broader commitment to embedding accessibility into its operations. The airline's ongoing mission during Autism Awareness Month has seen significant milestones, with the Travel Rehearsal program expanding to include more destinations each month.
As the airline continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to inclusivity remains steadfast, making Emirates a leading example in the industry for creating a more accessible and welcoming environment for all passengers.
- The Travel Rehearsal program, initially a community collaboration in Dubai, has expanded to multiple cities worldwide, including Dubai, Barcelona, Brisbane, and Toronto, as part of Emirates' mission to create a supportive travel environment for neurodiverse individuals.
- In line with its commitment to mental health and wellness, Emirates unveiled special content on its inflight entertainment system, ice, during April as part of Autism Awareness Month, focusing on raising awareness about autism.
- Recognizing the need for collaboration in promoting health-and-wellness initiatives, Emirates collaborates with local authorities, schools, and autism centers to deliver the Travel Rehearsal program, aimed at easing anxiety and building familiarity for children with autism in the lifestyle of travel and air travel experience.
