Golf carrier Emirates Airline conducted a sightseeing flight over the United Arab Emirates on April 10, 2021 under the flight number EK2021. The specialty: On board were only people who were vaccinated against Covid-19. An Airbus A380 was used.
“The UAE's rapid pace and progress in vaccinating our people is testament to our leadership's vision and commitment to protecting our communities and managing the pandemic by taking the appropriate steps to protect citizens and residents. Today's flight is a prime example of the collective effort and commitment of everyone involved in supporting the vaccination program and implementing protocols over the past 12 months to ensure safe travel, stimulate passenger traffic and lay the foundation for the increase in air traffic to create in the near future. Emirates continues to support the national vaccination program and we are delighted with the progress that is being made within the group in vaccinating our employees, ”said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group.
Around 400 vaccinated passengers took part in the special flight. The crew and ground staff were also vaccinated, according to Emirates. Emirates wanted to celebrate the great progress in vaccination of the United Arab Emirates with the sightseeing flight. The UAE currently has one of the highest vaccination rates for its citizens and residents in the world, at 90,22 doses per 100 people.
Flight EK2021 was operated on Emirates' latest Airbus A380, which features the airline's brand new premium economy seats and refreshed cabin interiors in all cabin classes. First and Business Class customers were able to chat in peace in the A380 onboard lounge. In addition, all customers enjoyed a multi-course menu.
All proceeds from EK2021 were donated to the Emirates Airline Foundation, the airline's nonprofit charity that supports projects to improve the quality of life of disadvantaged children around the world.