Etihad Airways hosts orphans for special aircraft experience

136 children from orphanages and children’s homes across the country enjoyed a special day on board an Etihad Airways plane watching movies, playing games and being catered with nutritious meals. 

The Etihad Airways initiative was a joint collaboration with the charity Voice for Voiceless and supported by Hilton Colombo Residences and Walkers Tours. 

Etihad Airways Country Manager Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal Dougie Douglas said: “We couldn’t have made this event possible without the support of our partners, or the whole Etihad team, who went out of their way to make this a really special event. Many of our Sri Lankan flight deck crew and cabin crew volunteered for this trip just to take part in the event and the kids loved it.”

The children came from a number of orphanages and children’s homes in Colombo and Kandy, including FRIDSRO; Centre for Islamic Studies Infants’ Home & Orphanage; Islamia Home for Orphan and Needy Children; The Guardian Child Development Centre; and SOS Children’s Villages. Voice for Voiceless, the charity that provides safe houses and daycare services for kids enabling a single parent to work while knowing their child is safe, was instrumental in identifying the children’s homes and arranging the event. 

Voice for Voiceless Director Moses Akash said: “It’s a dream for a child to go in an airplane and we were able to make that dream a reality, I’m sure this will create many more dreams in those innocent lives. Thank you Etihad for making this a reality.” 

The children started their experience at the airport, where they were taken to the aircraft and warmly welcomed abroad by the Sri Lankan flight crew and cabin crew with drinks and refreshments. Miss Universe Sri Lanka, Christina Peiris, also took part, helping the children navigate the inflight entertainment system and serving meals. 

Etihad Holidays partner Walkers’ Tours provided transport to and from the event, while Hilton Colombo Residences provided the meals.