While countries across the globe have been mass vaccinating the public, Emirates flight found a unique way to encourage individuals to get the COVID-19 vaccination done.

In a surreal experience, the Emirates Airlines flight named ‘EK 2021’ was flown over the skies of the United Arab Emirates, to celebrate the remarkable progress made by the national vaccination program against COVID-19.

The flight that proudly read ‘Choose to vaccinate’ not just celebrated the UAE's vaccination programme but also, highlighted Emirates’ progress in vaccinating its staff, pilots and cabin crew. What was more interesting was the passengers who took the flight also received the two vaccine doses, including invited senior officials in the aviation and health sectors. Along with them, even the Emirates team, from the crew onboard to the ground service personnel, everyone was vaccinated. The country has administered 9 million doses of vaccines so far.

For the milestone flight, an A380 aircraft was used to take the passengers above the skies on a circuit around the country several times, coasting at an altitude of 17,000 ft. It was like a celebration for the passengers who took the flight as a sign of the return to normality. Some of them even boarded the flight since the onset of the pandemic in 2020. Post the vaccination, the ‘Choose to Vaccinate’ label was also stamped on the boarding cards of every passenger.

The prompt vaccination drive exemplified the aviation industry’s readiness for a strong and safe return of air travel. Speaking about this remarkable drive, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chief Executive Officer and CEO of Emirates Airlines and the Group said, “The remarkable progress of the national vaccination program in the country embodies the wisdom and vision of our wise leadership and its commitment to protecting society through the adoption of appropriate measures to protect citizens and residents. We at the Emirates Group continue to support the national vaccination program and are pleased with the progress we have made in vaccinating our employees.”

Despite the pandemic, the UAE has maintained its position as a leading global aviation hub and with a vaccination drive like this one, it aims to encourage individuals to get vaccinated and fly safely.