Emirates pioneers inclusion for passengers with autism
16-01-25
Emirates has been recognized as the first airline to obtain global certification in serving passengers with autism by the International Board on Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This achievement reflects the airline's commitment to inclusion and accessibility in the aviation industry.
The certification will be formalized in the coming months, once more than 30,000 Emirates employees, including cabin crew and ground staff, complete specialized training in autism and sensory sensitivities. The goal is for at least 80% of customer service staff to be trained to provide service tailored to the needs of travelers with autism and their families.
This initiative responds to the barriers faced by people with autism when considering air travel. According to a study by AutismTravel.com, 78% of families with autistic members are hesitant to travel, and 94% would travel more frequently if staff were trained in autism. Emirates seeks to reduce these barriers, aligning with Dubai's vision to become the world's most accessible destination and the first in the Eastern Hemisphere to be recognized as an Autism Certified Destination.
In collaboration with IBCCES, Emirates has conducted a comprehensive audit of its ground and in-flight services, developing new standards to cater to passengers with accessibility needs. Enhancements planned for 2025 include digital sensory guides that will provide detailed information about the environments travelers will encounter, assessing factors such as sound levels, lighting, and potential visual and olfactory stimuli. In addition, sensory products will be introduced on board, such as anti-stress toys, to help passengers relax during the flight.
These measures aim to provide a more comfortable and tailored travel experience for neurodiverse passengers, fostering an inclusive environment in all aspects of Emirates' service. The airline also plans to implement additional protocols and enhanced standards throughout 2025 and beyond, reaffirming its commitment to accessibility and customer service excellence.
This development is part of Dubai's efforts to position itself as a global leader in accessibility and inclusive tourism. The city has implemented various initiatives to improve the travel experience for people with disabilities, including training programs for tourism services staff and adapting infrastructure to meet diverse needs.
Emirates' certification as the first airline adapted for passengers with autism marks a significant milestone in the aviation industry, setting a new standard for airlines globally. This achievement not only benefits passengers with autism and their families, but also promotes greater awareness and understanding of neurodiversity in the airline industry.
With these initiatives, Emirates demonstrates its commitment to innovation and social responsibility, recognizing the importance of offering services that reflect the diversity of its passengers. By leading this movement towards greater inclusion, the airline not only enhances the travel experience for a significant portion of the population, but also inspires other companies to follow suit in creating more accessible and supportive environments.
Emirates' certification as the first airline adapted for passengers with autism represents a momentous step forward in promoting inclusion and accessibility in the aviation industry, setting a precedent that will undoubtedly positively influence industry practices globally.
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