Dubai: Dubai-based Emirates airline is further enhancing air travel accessibility for people of determination through a suite of new initiatives. At the sixth AccessAbilities Expo in Dubai World Trade Centre, the national carrier showcased its latest products and innovative services, including joining ‘Be My eyes’, an app providing accessible video support to the visually impaired.
Pioneering step
Emirates said it is set to become the first airline in the world to be integrated into the ‘Be My Eyes’ app – the largest accessibility app for the blind and low-vision community. The free-to-download app has about 700,000 users worldwide and offers visual assistance by connecting to any of its 8 million volunteers across 150 countries.
How it works
Once Emirates is integrated into the app, users can select the airline from the company profile list. They can then call the Emirates call centre through a live video or audio call asking for help with ticket bookings, knowing flight schedules or directions to the check-in counter at the airport, etc. The user can take videos or photos and send them to the Emirates agent, who will guide them as required.
Easy-access passenger vans
Emirates has also showcased its first wheelchair-accessible chauffeur-driven vehicles to pick up passengers. The van is on display until Wednesday at the AccessAbilities Expo at Dubai World Trade Centre.