COVID-19 vaccine to shape future of travel, says Emirates COO

Emirates Airline’s special EK2021 flight celebrated the UAE’s remarkable progress in vaccinating both citizens and residents against COVID-19.

According to the Dubai-based carrier, the one-of-a-kind flight carried close to 400 fully vaccinated residents and fully vaccinated crew members.

Speaking to ARN News, Adel Al Redha, Emirates Chief Operating Officer, explained how vaccinations will play an important role in shaping the future of travel.

So far, Emirates Group has delivered COVID-19 shots to more than 35,000 employees across its vaccination centres.

According to Emirates, the vaccination programme rolled out for its UAE-based workforce was launched less than three months ago.

The move was also part of Emirates' preparations for the EK2021 flight.

Mikail Houari, President of Airbus Africa and Middle East, highlighted the UAE’s remarkable progress in vaccinating its citizens and residents.

He also told ARN News that vaccines will be the way out of the pandemic.
 

The special flight celebrated the UAE reaching its milestone of vaccinating more than half the country’s population against COVID-19 last month.

On the ground, passengers checked in using the latest biometric technologies for a seamless journey across multiple touchpoints.

Biometric touchpoints were recently expanded to include over 18 check-in desks and 15 boarding gates at the airport.

All EK2021 passengers were provided rapid COVID-19 PCR tests, and were given the green 'Choose to Vaccinate' pin upon checking in.

Emirates clarified that All proceeds for EK2021 have been donated to the Emirates Airline Foundation, the airline's non-profit charity organisation.