Emirates has showcased a range of new breakthrough innovations and products for People of Determination at the 6th edition of the AccessAbilities Expo at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
On Wednesday (October 9, 2024), Emirates announced a suite of services and innovations for People of Determination during AccessAbilities 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The 6th edition of AccessAbilities, the largest exhibition for people with disabilities in the Middle East, was officiated by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Airline and Group’s Chairman and CEO, and patron of the AccessAbilities Expo. During the event, Emirates unveiled a range of innovative products and services such as a virtual reality airport tour, a sign language robot, a new protective transportation device for wheelchairs, an app for the visually impaired, sensory guides to the airport for neurodivergent customers, a chauffeur driven vehicle fitted with an electric wheelchair lift and more.
Emirates Showcases a Range of Innovative Products and Services for People of Determination during AccessAbilities 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre - Courtesy Emirates
Soon, Emirates will be integrated into the ‘Be My Eyes’ app for the blind and low-vision community, becoming the first airline worldwide to offer the service. Guests can download the Be My Eyes app for free on their smartphones and by selecting Emirates from the dropdown menu, they can place a call routed through the Emirates Call Centre for support via a live video call. The Emirates agent can then direct the customer on which direction to walk or what to do next. The app is supports through eight million volunteers who become the eyes for the blind and low vision community.
For neurodivergent customers, Emirates has also launched a new sensory guide in the form of an infographic for Emirates Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB). This is an educational and informative tool that has been developed in collaboration with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to identify sensory stimuli that customers may expect and experience across their Terminal 3 journey. The new Emirates Sensory Guide informs customers of the potential intensity level of sensory stimuli such as sound, light, smell, touch and the presence of sudden noises or flashing lights at specific locations across the airport. This feature will be available on the Accessible Travel page on the carrier’s website.
Emirates also unveiled the first Emirates-branded wheelchair accessible vehicle, a Chauffeur Drive Mercedes V250 Van featuring and electric wheelchair lift and ramp. The lift has been designed to safely and seamlessly raise a wheelchair and its occupant into the vehicle. Once inside the van, additional safety restraints secure the guest, who may have severe mobility challenges. Currently, Emirates’ chauffeur drivers are being trained in mobility assistance and lifting to support customers with disabilities. At this time, the service is available to First and Business Class guests availing the chauffeur drive services based in Dubai, and the carrier plans to extend its availability in the future.
A team of experts at Emirates’ own in-house Innovation Lab continue to develop innovation solutions for a range of issues, including Accessibility. At AccessAbilities Expo 2024, the team showcased a host of innovations, including the Emirates’ Sign Language Robot, which provides information and guidance services for deaf or hearing impaired customers. Initial trials include training the robot to understand specific sign language phrases and gestures, so it can respond with useful information such as flight status, and directions to navigate the airport. The robot also has a screen that can showcase maps, and an AI Emirati guide who signs back to the customer. When fully developed, the goal is to extend the technology across different digital channels.
Emirates Showcases a Range of Innovative Products and Services for People of Determination during AccessAbilities 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre - Courtesy Emirates
Customers with accessibility requirements can also take advantage of a virtual reality tour, via a virtual reality headset that allows them to explore and practice the journey through Emirates Terminal 3 at DXB. The VR route highlights all areas where inclusive services are available, including the helpdesk offering the Sunflower Lanyard for hidden disabilities, the priority lanes for Immigration and Customs, accessible biometric boarding gates and more. The virtual reality tour has the potential to be integrated into Emirates' website, whereby customers worldwide can access it in advance of travel.
Emirates has also unveiled a new wheelchair cube concept that seeks to provide and safe and secure solution for the transport of mobility aids and equipment. This keeps wheelchairs intact during transport and handling, and can be securely restrained inside the aircraft for added protection. Emirates recognizes the critical importance of providing peace of mind for customers, where a wheelchair is viewed as an extension of their physical body, and is often customized at considerable expense.
Emirates also showcased a row of Premium Economy seats at the Expo, to show attendees the inflight accessibility tools such as noise-cancelling headphones, the onboard wheelchair that is used once the guest’s wheelchair has been stored, and the scala combi which helps reduced mobility customers ascend and descend stairs. Additionally, the carrier displayed the easyglide and belt which helps customers easily transfer from the cabin wheelchair into their seat.
To date, over 29,000 Emirates cabin crew members and ground staff worldwide have completed the Emirates ‘Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities’ training. Launched in 2022, the online course covers a range of topics, from recognizing autism, to practical tips on how to assist guests with hidden disabilities, responding with empathy, and information on the official support systems to help passengers at the airport.
Source: Emirates
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