In order to make travel more accessible for everyone, Emirates has started an amazing journey to formally become the first Autism Certified AirlineTM in the world. Customers with autism and sensory sensitivity are welcome to experience Emirates’ seamless services and individualized hospitality. In the upcoming months, after over 30,000 Emirates ground workers and cabin crew have finished the initial training, the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) will formally grant the first certification. Later in the year, Emirates intends to unveil additional guidelines and services that will enhance the in-flight and on-ground travel experiences for passengers with autism spectrum disorders as well as their family and friends.
first Autism Certified Airline.
Due to the high degree of sensory stimuli that can be involved, international flight travel is either a very difficult experience for many members of the worldwide autism community or should be avoided entirely. 78% of families are reluctant to travel or visit new areas, according to a study on AutismTravel.com, and 94% of respondents said they would take more holidays if they could visit sites with certified and qualified staff who are trained in autism. This important move also advances Dubai’s goal of becoming the world’s most accessible travel destination, which is part of Emirates’ objective to make travel more accessible and inclusive for everyone.
What is the Autism Certified Airline™ designation (ACA)?
In order to carry out an onsite review and thorough audit, Emirates partnered with IBCCES, a preeminent organization in autism and neurodiversity training and certification, as part of its dedication to fostering a welcoming travel experience for all of its patrons, including those with autism and sensory sensitivity.
More than 14,000 persons with a range of disabilities, including those with autism, sensory sensitivity, and their relatives and caregivers, were surveyed by IBCCES as part of a large study project. In order to provide the best standards for travelers and airline employees, the survey data was compiled in conjunction with a large number of interviews, an industry survey conducted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and input from 1,200 specialists in the field. IBCCES specialists also carried out a number of Emirates flight audits on both long-haul and short-haul routes in addition to compiling the feedback.
The gathering of comprehensive data guaranteed feedback from important parties, such as industry, thought leaders worldwide, and those with lived experiences of autism. In order to accommodate travelers with autism and sensory sensitivity during air travel, professionals and healthcare experts collaborated to develop new industry standards. Emirates will take the lead in implementing these new standards in aviation for the first time. The two organizations collaborated to develop a new blueprint for serving passengers with accessibility requirements using a data-driven approach. The blueprint covers the whole journey, from ground services to in-flight services. At least 80% of employees who interact with customers must finish the required training as part of the rigorous certification procedure, which also calls for a dedication to continuous training and development.
Over 30,000 employees receive autism and sensory sensitivity training from Emirates. Emirates’ ground personnel and cabin crew will receive new, targeted training on autism and sensory awareness as part of the designation, giving them the knowledge and abilities to meet the requirements of passengers with autism and sensory sensitivity as well as their families. Through the training, Emirates’ workers learn about the spectrum of autism, common misconceptions and difficulties, the many ways to help customers based on their unique needs, and potential triggers and stimuli that employees should be aware of. The Emirates “Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities” course, which 23,000 employees finished in 2023, laid the groundwork for the new program.
Emirates’ updated guidelines and offerings for clients with autism In order to make travel more pleasurable and accessible for passengers with autism and sensory impairments, Emirates will be implementing new guidelines and services in 2025 and beyond. The introduction of “sensory guides,” which are digital tools created as part of the audit carried out by IBCCES in partnership with Emirates, is one such service that enables travelers to plan what best meets their requirements and preferences and make educated judgments about the varied settings they encounter. The recommendations were developed by monitoring sensory inputs in public spaces, including lighting, sound levels, and possible sights and odors, as well as by performing thorough facilities assessments throughout Dubai locales and the in-flight experience. In 2025, neurodiverse sensory items are anticipated to be introduced for passengers on Emirates flights, such as sensory fidget toys or tools that can promote concentration, lessen self-stimulatory behavior, and relieve tension. Together, Emirates, Dubai Airports, and Dubai Tourism are promoting accessible travel.
All four of Emirates’ Dubai Check In locations, including its dedicated hub in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB), received the Certified Autism CenterTM Designation in April 2024. Dubai Airport was honoured to become the first international airport to be designated a Certified Autism CentreTM in December 2023. Neurodiverse passengers will be able to travel more pleasantly thanks to Emirates’ new training program and new standards and norms that will be gradually implemented in 2025 and beyond, further advancing the accessible travel agenda. These accomplishments support the Department of Economy and Tourism’s (DET) goal of making Dubai the Eastern Hemisphere’s first Certified Autism DestinationTM (CAD). Emirates is making great strides in inclusive and accessible travel by collaborating closely with the Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Airports, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs, Dubai Police, and Dubai Customs.
first Autism Certified Airline first Autism Certified Airline first Autism Certified Airline first Autism Certified Airline first Autism Certified Airline.
