Emirates aims to be autism-certified airline
EMIRATES has launched an inspiring journey to officially become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline, inviting customers with autism and sensory sensitivities to experience Emirates’ seamless services and personalised hospitality, making travel more accessible for all. The inaugural designation is set to be formally awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) in the coming months, when more than 30,000 Emirates cabin crew and ground staff will have completed the initial training.
IBCCES surveyed more than 14,000 people with a variety of disabilities, including people with autism, those with sensory sensitivities and their families and caregivers. The survey data was collated alongside numerous interviews, an International Air Transport Association (IATA) industry survey, and feedback from 1,200 industry professionals - helping develop the most beneficial standards for both passengers and airline staff.
Qatar Airways’ digital ambassador debuts
The world’s first AI-powered digital human cabin crew, Sama, now takes flight on social media. As the face of Qatar Airways’ innovation, Sama will soon inspire and connect with a global audience on Instagram. Her account, @SamaOnTheMove, will offer followers a mix of travel tips, personal stories from her layovers, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a cabin crew member.
Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Marketing and Corporate Communications, Mr. Babar Rahman, said: “Introducing Sama on Instagram is an extension of our vision to blend human connection with technological innovation. Sama is not just a digital human; she’s a reflection of how we see the future of travel–personal, engaging, and deeply connected to the experiences that matter. Her presence marks a step forward in how we humanise our brand.”
Air France launches signature fragrance
For the first time in its history, Air France has launched its signature home fragrance, AF001. To create this fragrance, the airline called on the talents of Francis Kurkdjian, master perfumer and artistic director of Maison Francis Kurkdjian.
Starting January 15, 2025, this home fragrance has been gradually introduced at the entrance to certain Air France lounges at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, as a welcome gesture at the start of a journey. Customers have started discovering the fragrance in the lobby, the lounge and the La Premiere suites, as well as in the lounges located in terminals 2E halls L and M, 2F and 2G. Air France will be gradually using the fragrance in its other lounges in Paris and around the world over the coming months.
Turkish Airlines offers UNESCO amenity kits
Turkish Airlines is now carrying Türkiye’s unparalleled cultural treasures to the skies. The new amenity kit collection, called the UNESCO Türkiye Series, is inspired by six outstanding UNESCO World Heritage sites in Türkiye which are Nemrut, Göbeklitepe, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Ani, and Troy along with four different ebru (Turkish Marbling) designs and three traditional carpet-rug motifs. These new kits are now being offered in Business Class on flights ranging from five to eight hours.
Developed in collaboration with the Turkish National Commission for UNESCO, this special collection highlights Turkish Airlines’ vision to not only provide comfort above the clouds but also showcase Türkiye’s historic and cultural values on the global stage. Each set is presented as a memorable travel keepsake that combines thousands of years of Anatolian history and artistic heritage with contemporary design elements.
Hahnair has 18 new partner airlines
Hahnair reflects on a successful 2024. The market leader in distribution and ticketing solutions added 18 new carriers to its network of over 350 partner airlines over the course of last year. The flights of all new partners can be issued by travel agencies around the world on the insolvency-safe Hahnair HR-169 ticket. The ticketing specialist also secured 12 additional contract signatures with airlines which are currently being implemented. Seven of the new partner airlines have entered into interline agreements with Hahnair.