A total of 150 children with autism, accompanied by their parents and carers, boarded Tuesday a TUS Airlines aircraft which, together with the Flight Safety Foundation, carried out the “Flight of Love” that departed from Larnaka airport and lasted approximately 40 minutes.
The children were accompanied on the plane by Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Yiannis Karousos and his spouse.
In his statements, the Minister noted that the flight will help a lot in raising awareness about autism issues and will give joy to children and their parents.
The Minister thanked everyone who participated in the organisation of this particular flight, including TUS Airways and Hermes Airports, and added that we should all address the issue of autism by taking actions and initiatives.
Christos Petrou, Executive Director of the Flight Safety Foundation – Mediterranean said that this is the third time that they organise such a flight, adding that it is “the most important event that we organise and we feel proud and content”.
Eleni Kaloyirou, Chief Executive Officer of Hermes Airports said that the flight is an opportunity to raise awareness and noted that one of the priorities of Hermes Airports is the impeccable service of all passengers without discrimination.
Ahmet Ali, CEO of TUS Airlines said that this was the first time the airline carried out the particular flight and said that once in the aircraft the children will get to see the plane, the crew and what happens on the flight, from taking off, cruising and landing and it will reduce the anxieties that people would have, and also would allow the airline “to become more informed and more aware of all elements and segments of our society and make sure that everybody has equal rights.”
Source: Cyprus News Agency