Jet Airways’ Flight of Fantasy CelebratesS 20 Glorious Years of Giving Wings to Children's Dreams

By Tricitynews Reporter

Chandigarh 13^th November:- Jet Airways, India's premier full-service international airline, today celebrated its annual and much-awaited Flight of Fantasy initiative by delighting over 100 young fans - including underprivileged children and those with special needs, by giving them the opportunity to experience the world of aviation, in its effort to spreads joy and smiles all around.

The event marked the 20^th Anniversary of this unique initiative and of the airline’s philosophy, that espouses active support and contribution towards the society in which it operates, together with a healthy respect for human life and potential.

Jet Airways’ Flight of Fantasy was conceived two decades ago as part of the airline’ endeavour to nurture the dreams of children-especially those belonging to the marginalized sections of society, by opening up the world of aviation to them. Over the years, the appeal and scope of the programme has expanded to include kids with special needs, reflecting the emphasis the airline places on human capability and the power of dreams. In the twenty years of its existence, the initiative has given countless underprivileged children and those with special needs, their first taste of flight and memories they can cherish for life.

This year, the airline invited young guests from four NGO’s namely, Save The Children India, Sahayini, Center for Social Action and CanKids for the initiative.

Of the four, while CanKids is a 400-member strong, grass-root level NGO dedicated to bringing about a positive transformation among Childhood Cancer nationwide, Sahayini provides development programmes and welfare services to poor and needy children, adolescent girls, women on issues concerning empowerment, child rights and education, special care, protection and services to girls at risk, livelihood promotions, health and environment development through its community centres. Centre for Social Action is a NGO providing professional expertise impacting the lives of vulnerable people, particularly women and children in Mumbai and its suburbs. Last but not the least, Save the Children is India’s leading independent NGO and child rights organisation with presence in 18 Indian states and having successfully transformed lives of more than 6.6 million children.

Joining the kids at the event, Vinay Dube, Chief Executive Officer, Jet Airways, said that he is delighted to be here with the kids to celebrate this important milestone of our annual event - Flight of Fantasy. Children are our future and Jet Airways takes immense pride in being able to contribute and shape their dreams of flying via this unique initiative that gives kids the opportunity to experience the joy of flying for the very first time. Together with our partner NGOs-Save The Children India, Sahayini, Center for Social Action and CanKids, it gives us great pleasure to be able to brighten the lives of these children in our own small way. He also thank our partners GVK, Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Viacom 18, Travel Food Services (TFS) and SkyGourmet for their valuable support.

The event proceedings kicked-off with an entertaining programme of music, dance and games at a special party held for the children at Mumbai airport’s Terminal 2. The party zone was decorated with balloons and streamers in the airline colours. Popular characters from Nickelodeon’s stable brought much cheer to the celebrations when their most popular toons, Motu & Patlu, interacted with the young wards.

Nina Jaipuria, Business Head at Viacom18 Kids Cluster said that Kids are at the center of Nickelodeon’s universe and our entire world revolves around making them happy and celebrating their zest and enthusiasm. We are happy to partner with Jet Airways in creating a priceless experience that ensures that kids have the time of their life.

Rajeev Jain, CEO, Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL)said that as a new India unfurls, a generation of young minds will emerge to be the heroes of this great nation. Safeguarding their interests and providing them with a window of opportunities is a responsibility we all should willfully fulfill as conscientious individuals. We are delighted to be a part of this noble initiative and take pride in facilitating a platform that gives underprivileged children a glimpse into the world of aviation. This association is a reiteration of our unwavering commitment towards societal development. We will continue to extend our whole-hearted support towards such initiatives in future.