Jet takes kids for a joy ride

...operates 'Flight of Fantasy' for underpriviledged children in Aurangabad

BY A CORRESPONDENT
May 11, 2006

Jet Airways recently operated a special 'Flight of Fantasy’ for underprivileged children in Aurangabad. The Flight 9W3103 took off from the Chikkalthana Airport, Domestic Terminal, Aurangabad at 08.45 hrs on Sunday, May 7, 2006.

The guests of honour were Mr. Hari Prabhu, a physically challenged sportsman, in the fields of badminton, table tennis & wheelchair lawn tennis and Ms. Nasima Hurzook – a wheelchair driven lady, running a residential school for handicapped children. They are individuals who have overcome their disabilities to achieve awe-inspiring feats for which they have received several national and international honours. Hindi film actress and former Miss Asia Pacific, Dia Mirza and cricketer Vinod Kambli were present to cheer the children, lend their support and encourage underprivileged kids.

The flight was conducted in association with the Swayamsidh School for Autistic and Multiple Disabled, the Government Deaf and Dumb School, the Navjeevan Society for Handicapped and Mentally Retarded and the Paithan Government Orphanage. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) were fuel partners for this flight.

The wonderful experience began when the children were checked-in for this special flight at the airport. The young passengers were then entertained by Jet Airways’ staff who were specially dressed as cartoon characters. The group was then escorted to the Boarding Hall at the airport, which was decorated with balloons, and light snacks and beverages were served. There was an orientation of the airport building conducted by Jet Airways' personnel. The sight of airplanes taking off and landing excited the young guests who were explained the many facets of airline operations by Jet Airways' staff. On their return, kids are welcomed back with roses by Local Travel Agents Association.

The children were then escorted to board Jet Airways' next generation aircraft Boeing 737-800. Thus began their special tryst with the clouds over and around Aurangabad which lasted 30 minutes, amongst palpable excitement. They thoroughly enjoyed this experience and were presented with Jet Kids' Bags.

Jet Airways believes that every business entity also needs to be a socially responsible corporate citizen and work towards the upliftment of the society. Jet Airways has always recognized its responsibility to do even better for the society and to make a difference in the lives of people.

This flight was amongst several similar Flights of Fantasy that Jet Airways has operated since commencing its operations in 1993, in support of the underprivileged children. Jet Airways currently operates a fleet of 43 classic and next generation Boeing 737-400/700/800/900 aircraft, 3 Airbus A340-300E aircraft and 8 modern ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft. With an average of little over 5.2 years, the airline has one of the youngest aircraft fleet in the world. Jet Airways’ operated over 320 daily flights to 48 destinations that span the length and breadth of India and beyond including Colombo in Sri Lanka, Kathmandu in Nepal, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and London Heathrow in U.K.