Etihad Airways welcomed on board the UAE Paralympics team of 22 athletes, coaches, medical staff and personnel headed for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games that is taking place from August 28-September 8.

In addition to the celebratory send-off at Zayed International Airport on August 21, the airline will also display a giant billboard across its Abu Dhabi headquarters building, featuring the slogan ‘Unstoppable passion. Unforgettable journey’ in a show of support for the competing athletes.

In a video posted on Etihad’s social media channels, the team was seen receiving a warm welcome at the airport by Etihad staff and a team of volunteers, before experiencing the Etihad Lounge ahead of their flight.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “We are hugely proud of the UAE athletes, and we extend our heartfelt best wishes ahead of their forthcoming competitions.

“At Etihad it is our purpose to give flight to ambition, and there is no better way we can showcase this than by flying this team of ambitious and talented athletes.”

Known for its award-winning service and hospitality, Etihad caters for the needs of people of determination from booking to arrival at their destination, a statement said.

Etihad’s highly trained cabin crew are happy to assist travellers with any additional needs during their flight, the airline said.

This includes supporting guests with visual impairment to move around the aircraft, make menu selections and enjoy their dining experience. The cabin crew will also update guests with a hearing impairment of announcements made during the flight, while they may also enjoy the extensive entertainment on E-Box with subtitles in multiple languages.

With Etihad, guests can bring their own wheelchair or mobility aid or make use of wheelchair assistance at the airport by requesting this service in advance.

Etihad also welcomes guests with a qualifying disability to travel with their licensed, trained service dog, which should be booked in advance. – TradeArabia News Service