Celebrating the unique unifying power of diversity in the UAE, the historic one-off Emirates A380 flight marking the 48th UAE National Day and the UAE Year of Tolerance returned to Dubai International Airport.
With over 540 passengers celebrating a shared sense of place and pride to call the UAE their home, the one-of-a-kind flight, unprecedented in the industry, was an impactful initiative to showcase the UAE’s spirit of unity and inclusiveness.
The flight welcomed passengers from different backgrounds, ethnicities, religions and cultures and included families and children, Emirates Group employees, as well as People of Determination.
Passengers were encouraged to come in their national dress, and throughout the flight, their colourful costumes became a vibrant collage honouring their different heritages and traditions.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group said: “The UAE has become a remarkable symbol of tolerance and coexistence, welcoming people from over 200 nationalities and backgrounds, all living together in solidarity and harmony.
“It is in fact the diversity of the citizens and residents of the UAE that unite us and make us stronger through mutual respect and opening bridges of common dialogue, and today’s flight is a celebration of that spirit which is very much a part of our everyday lives here in the UAE.”
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EK 2019 was commanded by UAE Nationals Captain Abbas Shaban and Captain Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, and First Officer Karin Arning from Germany.
The 22 cabin crew on flight EK 2019 hailed from 18 countries, and were led by flight purser Jafar Hamad, a UAE National. On an average flight, Emirates cabin crew represent up to 15 nationalities, proudly serving customers across the airline’s network. An average Emirates flight typically carries more than 50 nationalities onboard.
Once onboard and ready for take-off, special Year of Tolerance content was available on ice for viewing by all passengers. Just before descent, an Official Adjudicator from GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™, who was onboard verifying nationality counts, officially announced a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for most nationalities on an aircraft.
On his part Talal Omar – Director MENA, GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ said: “We congratulate both the UAE and Emirates Airline for making history today. This achievement reflects the keen to spread the spirit of tolerance and show the real image of moderation. Congratulations Emirates Airline, you are Officially Amazing™.”
As passengers disembarked, they were handed certificates of participation for taking part in this historic activity. A ceremony took place in front of the aircraft to mark the record, and a group photo with all 541 passengers was taken in front of the Emirates “Year of Tolerance” A380.
Over 30,000 people across the UAE registered interest to become part of this special initiative.
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