As part of its ‘Fly Better’ promise, Emirates showcased a suite of new services and innovative products for differently abled people at the recently concluded AccessAbilities Expo in Dubai World Trade Centre.
The largest exhibition for people with disabilities in the Middle East was officially opened by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group and patron of the AccessAbilities Expo.
At the event, new products and creative innovations were unveiled by the airline, including a virtual reality airport tour, a sign language robot, a new protective transportation device for wheelchairs, an app that provides accessible video support to the visually impaired, sensory guides to the airport for neurodivergent customers and a chauffeur drive vehicle fitted with an electric wheelchair lift.
Emirates will soon be integrated into the Be My Eyes app for the blind and low vision community, making it the first airline in the world to launch the service. The Be My Eyes app provides accessible video support for customers, creating empathetic experiences for customers with disabilities.
The sign language robot has been developed by the airline’s innovation lab to provide information and guidance services for customers who are deaf or hearing impaired. Initial trials include training the robot to understand specific sign language phrases and gestures, so that it can respond with travel information like flight status, wayfinding in airports – easing travel anxiety for customers with disabilities.