Indian airline Jet Airways celebrated its annual and much-awaited Flight of Fantasy initiative on Saturday 11th November 2017 by delighting over 100 young fans - including underprivileged children and those with special needs, by giving them the opportunity to experience the world of aviation, in its effort to spreads joy and smiles all around!
The event marked the 20th Anniversary of this unique initiative and of the airline's philosophy, that espouses active support and contribution towards the society in which it operates, together with a healthy respect for human life and potential.
Jet Airways’ Flight of Fantasy was conceived two decades ago as part of the airline’s endeavour to nurture the dreams of children - especially those belonging to the marginalized sections of society, by opening up the world of aviation to them. Over the years, the appeal and scope of the programme has expanded to include kids with special needs, reflecting the emphasis the airline places on human capability and the power of dreams. In the twenty years of its existence, the initiative has given countless underprivileged children and those with special needs, their first taste of flight and memories they can cherish for life.
This year, the airline invited young guests from four non-governmental organizations (NGO), namely Save The Children India, Sahayini, Center for Social Action and CanKids for the initiative.
Of the four, while CanKids is a 400-member strong, grass-root level NGO dedicated to bringing about a positive transformation among Childhood Cancer nationwide, Sahayini provides development programmes and welfare services to poor and needy children, adolescent girls, women on issues concerning empowerment, child rights and education, special care, protection and services to girls at risk, livelihood promotions, health and environment development through its community centres. Centre for Social Action is a NGO providing professional expertise impacting the lives of vulnerable people, particularly women and children in Mumbai and its suburbs. Last but not the least, Save the Children is India’s leading independent NGO and child rights organisation with presence in 18 Indian states and having successfully transformed lives of more than 6.6 million children.
Given its objective, Flight of Fantasy has drawn active and encouraging support from several leading organisations to partner and contribute in their respective spheres, in an effort to enhance the fun and enjoyment quotient in the lives of the children on the day. This year’s Flight of Fantasy has been supported by GVK, Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Viacom 18's Nickelodeon, and Travel Food Services – who sponsored the on-ground food.
Joining the kids at the event, Vinay Dube, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jet Airways, said, "I am delighted to be here with the kids to celebrate this important milestone of our annual event - Flight of Fantasy. Children are our future and Jet Airways takes immense pride in being able to contribute and shape their dreams of flying via this unique initiative that gives kids the opportunity to experience the joy of flying for the very first time. Together with our partner NGOs - Save The Children India, Sahayini, Center for Social Action and CanKids, it gives us great pleasure to be able to brighten the lives of these children in our own small way. I also thank our partners GVK, Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Viacom 18, Travel Food Services (TFS) and SkyGourmet for their valuable support."
The event proceedings kicked-off with an entertaining programme of music, dance and games at a special party held for the children at Mumbai airport’s Terminal 2. The party zone was decorated with balloons and streamers in the airline colours. Popular characters from Nickelodeon’s stable brought much cheer to the celebrations when their most popular toons, Motu & Patlu, interacted with the young wards.
Nina Jaipuria, Business Head at Viacom18 Kids Cluster said, "Kids are at the center of Nickelodeon’s universe and our entire world revolves around making them happy and celebrating their zest and enthusiasm. We are happy to partner with Jet Airways in creating a priceless experience that ensures that kids have the time of their life."
The 45-minute long 9W 9875 'Flight of Fantasy' flight, operated by a Jet Airways' Boeing 737–800 aircraft took off from the Domestic Departure Terminal (T2) of the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai at 1450hrs.
Once airborne, the children were treated to scenic vistas along India's picturesque Western coastline. Onboard, they took part in fun and engaging activities, with the flight's cabin crew joining in the celebration, before returning to the Mumbai airport an hour later.
Airport operator GVK made their airport lounge available for the pre-flight entertainment. Refreshments were provided by TFS - Travel Food Services, our sponsors for refreshments at the lounge. Indian Oil Corporation provided fuel for the flight while Mumbai International Airport Limited waived off the landing and navigation charges.
Rajeev Jain, CEO, Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) said, "As a new India unfurls, a generation of young minds will emerge to be the heroes of this great nation. Safeguarding their interests and providing them with a window of opportunities is a responsibility we all should willfully fulfill as conscientious individuals. We are delighted to be a part of this noble initiative and take pride in facilitating a platform that gives underprivileged children a glimpse into the world of aviation. This association is a reiteration of our unwavering commitment towards societal development. We will continue to extend our whole-hearted support towards such initiatives in future".
On their return, the airline's junior guests were given hampers courtesy Viacom 18, capping a memorable day for the children.
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Original source: ATN - Air Transport News; Additional source: Wikipedia I, II.
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