Emirates recently hosted an accessible “Travel Rehearsal” day at Manchester Airport, helping individuals with accessibility requirements feel more confident ahead of their next family holiday.
The global “Travel Rehearsal” programme from Emirates, the world’s first autism-certified airline, offers guided simulations of the full air travel journey, familiarising participants with airport procedures and the onboard experience before they travel.
In collaboration with local SEN school group, Samuel Laycock School, several children with – autism – and their families experienced the end-to-end travel journey at Manchester Airport. Supported by airport and airline staff, participants moved through check-in, security, and the departure lounge, before taking part in a practice boarding experience at the departure gate. Each participant had their boarding pass scanned and were led onto the airbridge to meet with an Emirates pilot and Cabin Crew. They then simulated the arrivals process, including immigration and passport control, baggage collection, and arrivals meet-and-greet.
Jabr Al-Azeeby, Emirates’ divisional vice president, UK, said: “Following the successful rollout of our travel rehearsal programme across seven UK gateways earlier this year, we’re proud to bring the initiative to the North-West with our first session in Manchester. I’d also like to recognise the outstanding support and commitment of Manchester Airports Group and the Emirates Airport Services management and team in making this initiative a success.
As the world’s first autism-certified airline, we aim to break down the invisible barriers faced by people with accessibility requirements when travelling by providing a safe and supportive simulation of the journey, and we look forward to hosting more sessions up and down the country.”
Lucy Tootill, Assistant Head and SENDCO of Samuel Laycock School, added: “We are very grateful to Emirates and Manchester Airport for delivering such a positive and valuable experience to our students. Programmes like this provide an opportunity for those hesitant about travel to experience it in a well-supported environment – particularly children with additional support needs.”
