On Tuesday, 150 autistic children and their parents or caregivers boarded an airplane operated by TUS Airlines and the Flight Safety Foundation for the "Flight of Love," which took off from the airport in Larnaca and lasted for about 40 minutes.
Minister of Transportation, Communications, and Works Yiannis Karousos and his spouse flew with the kids.
In his remarks, the Minister mentioned how the flight will be very helpful in bringing attention to autism issues and will bring happiness to kids and their parents.
The Minister thanked TUS Airways and Hermes Airports for helping to organize this specific flight and added that we should all work to address the issue of autism by taking initiatives and actions.
According to Christos Petrou, Executive Director of the Flight Safety Foundation - Mediterranean, this is the third time such a flight has been organized, and it is "the most important event that we organize, and we feel proud and happy."
Eleni Kaloyirou, Chief Executive Officer of Hermes Airports, stated that the flight is an opportunity to raise awareness and that one of Hermes Airports' priorities is to provide excellent service to all passengers without discrimination.
Ahmet Ali, CEO of TUS Airlines, stated that this flight was being conducted for the first time by the airline. He added that once the children are on board, they will be able to observe the crew, the plane, and what happens during the flight, including takeoff, cruising, and landing. This will lessen people's anxieties and also enable the airline to "become more informed and more aware of all elements and segments of our society and make sure that everyone has equal access to opportunities."
[With information from CNA]
