• At the Academy, children will be able to step into the roles of pilots and cabin crew, understand nuances of a career in the aviation industry
• Members of Air India’s frequent flyer programme Flying Returns will be able to earn seven Flying Returns points for every Rs 100 spent on tickets

Mumbai, 25 June 2024: Air India, India’s leading global airline, in collaboration with KidZania, the globally acclaimed educational entertainment brand, announced the launch of the Air India Aviation Academy at KidZania’s theme parks in Noida and Mumbai. At the Academy, children will be able to step into the roles of pilots and cabin crew aboard a model aircraft and understand the nuances of a career as a pilot and cabin crew in the aviation industry.

The academy, where children will be able to see the model of Air India’s fleet and its other facilities in the airline’s new branding, colours and livery, aims to enhance children’s educational skills by offering them unique opportunities to learn about the aviation industry through interactive and engaging role-playing activities.

Through this collaboration, Air India and KidZania aim to cultivate a new generation of aviation enthusiasts and professionals by providing a platform where children can engage in realistic role-playing scenarios, such as piloting an aircraft and working as cabin crew. The academy seeks to strengthen psychomotor, cognitive, emotional and social skills among children.

The Air India Aviation Academy at KidZania has been built to provide young enthusiasts with an opportunity to engage in activities that simulate real-life aviation tasks. The academy will provide an authentic and dynamic platform to ignite children’s curiosity and imagination. Here children can discover, explore and learn about the aviation industry in a fun and engaging way.

“Air India aims to create meaningful experiences for children and inspire upcoming generations. The Air India Aviation Academy at KidZania’s Noida and Mumbai theme parks will provide young enthusiasts with hands-on training in aviation skills, fostering an understanding of the industry and the importance of safety and teamwork.”

Sunil Suresh, Head, Marketing, Air India

As part of the partnership, members of Air India’s frequent flyer programme Flying Returns that was recently upgraded to offer greater ease, rewards and recognitions, will be able to earn seven Flying Returns points for every Rs 100 spent on tickets to visit the Air India Aviation Academy at KidZania’s theme parks in Noida and Mumbai.

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Air India through the launch of the Air India Aviation Academy. This academy will provide children with a hands-on understanding of the aviation industry, blending education with entertainment. Our goal is to spark an interest in aviation careers from an early age, and with Air India’s support, we can offer an unparalleled experience that is both fun and educational.”

Rahul Dhamdhere, Chief Marketing Officer, KidZania India

At the KidZania theme parks in Noida and Mumbai, there will be additional features such as a selfie point for kids and parents with the Air India aircraft in the background, a section on the history of Air India, and Air India quiz, and insights into Air India’s new aircraft fleet and destinations. At the entrance, children will be able to get an insight into the real world of aviation via a live flight tracker display that will showcase real-time information on aircraft flying to various parts of the world.

A first in India, this initiative highlights Air India’s commitment to nurturing future talent and KidZania’s dedication to immersive educational experiences as well as inculcating values of responsibility, solidarity, sensitivity, harmony, courage, self-confidence and professional ethics among children.

About Air India

Founded by the legendary JRD Tata, Air India pioneered India’s aviation sector. Since its first flight on October 15, 1932, Air India has built an extensive network with non-stop flights to cities around the world, across the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Far-East, South-East Asia, Australia, and the Gulf. After 69 years as a government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express were welcomed back into the Tata group in January 2022.

Air India is navigating through a major five-year transformation roadmap under the aegis of Vihaan.AI, with an ambition to become a world class airline with an Indian heart. The first phase of this transformation, the taxi phase was recently concluded, and focused on fixing the basics. These included bringing back to service many long grounded aircraft, addition of talent across flying and ground functions, rapid upgradation of technology and strengthening of customer care initiatives amongst others. A member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium of leading international airlines, Air India offers seamless connectivity and facilities to passengers all over the world.

About KidZania

KidZania is an interactive family entertainment and learning center that empowers, inspires, and educates through real-life role-playing activities. Built like a city, complete with paved roads, battery-operated vehicles, buildings, a functioning economy, and its own currency, KidZania provides an authentic and powerful developmental platform where children can discover, explore, and learn about the real world. KidZania is globally present across 26 cities in 23 countries, including multiple locations in the Americas, Europe, Japan, Korea, the Middle East, and Asia. KidZania has been operational in India at Mumbai since September 2013 and in Delhi NCR since May 2016.

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