Flying experience for special children on Children's Day

13 young students from Asha School for Special children, run by Army Wives Welfare Association and five from Government Blind School for Boys boarded Air India's Delhi-Lucknow flight (AI 411) from Terminal 3 of the IGI airport as part of a programme organised annually by the national carrier as its corporate social responsibility.

As soon as the Airbus 320 took off for Chaudhary Charan Singh airport Lucknow at 8.30 AM, the children started looking out of the window in excitement.

"It is very exciting to see the trees, houses and everything so small. Its like we are flying like a bird. I am very happy," said a chirpy five-year-old Bhoomika.

The children attracted attention of the co-passengers, who also joined the children in their excitement.

"I am loving it, I can't explain my happiness. It is giving me ticklish feeling in my stomach," said Rishiraj from Blind school.

The national carrier organises such joy trips for special children every year as part of its corporate social responsibility.

"We have been organising this joy ride every year on the occasion of Children's Day. These special children are very excited to get the flying experience," said Vijay Paul, Executive Director (Northern region), Air India.

Meanwhile, Jet Airways also organised a similar joy ride for 80 underprivileged and special children in Mumbai.

The airline operated a 'Flight of Fantasy' with a Boeing 737-700 aircraft. Jet Airways Flight of Fantasy endeavours to open up the world of aviation to children who are less advantaged.

"As part of its annual community service, Jet Airways gave over 80 children a unique, once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the 'joy of flying' on board a Jet Airways Boeing 737-700 aircraft, which took off from Domestic Departure Terminal, at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.

The Flight of Fantasy was operated in support of non-governmental organisations (NGO's) Aseema, Deeds and Kalyandeep - K C Nanavati Special School, all of who are dedicated to the upliftment and education of children, vulnerable in our society.

"Jet Airways Flight of Fantasy endeavours to open up the world of aviation to children who are less advantaged. Corporate partners GE Volunteers joined hands with the airline in support of this noble cause," a Jet official said.

The children were entertained with music, dance, a variety of games with prizes galore and a special video screening on aviation informed the young guests on the workings of an airplane, the official said.