Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has unveiled its “Giant Suitcase” initiative for the Holy Month of Ramadan. With more than 75 per cent of travellers admitting to over-packing clothes for their holidays, this programme will provide them with the opportunity to do-good through a simple donation programme.
- Research shows the vast
majority of leisure travellers over-pack for their holiday
- Giant suitcase to be located
at Abu Dhabi International Airport to receive guest donations
- Etihad staff to contribute
during giant suitcase visit to airline’s headquarters
Etihad has placed a
Giant Suitcase in their terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport,
encouraging travellers to donate just one item they know they can do without to
those less fortunate.
Signs and stickers
have been placed throughout the Departures section of the airport pointing in
the direction of the Giant Suitcase, with thought provoking questions such as
“Are you planning on wearing everything you packed?” or “Do you really need all
three pairs of those packed shoes?”
In addition to Abu
Dhabi International Airport, the initiative will be promoted extensively on
Etihad’s social media channels during Ramadan, with regular updates on how much
has been donated. All items – including clothes, books, blankets and children’s
toys – that are donated to the giant suitcase will be collected in partnership
with Grace Conservations.
Etihad’s Giant
Suitcase for Ramadan will be located in the check-in area of Terminal 3 of Abu
Dhabi International Airport, and can be found by following the signs or asking
a member of Etihad’s Ground Staff. In addition, the Giant Suitcase will visit
the airline’s headquarters in Khalifa City, giving staff the opportunity to
also make donations.
Mohammad Al Bulooki,
Executive Vice President Commercial, Etihad Airways, said: “The Holy Month of
Ramadan is one of the most important and special times of year for Muslims, and
donating to charity is a key part of marking the month.
“Therefore, Etihad
Airways is pleased to launch this campaign with our guests, encouraging them to
donate an item from their luggage for those less fortunate than they are.
Research has shown that many air travellers pack more than they actually need
for their journey, so we’re hoping for a great response.”
During the Holy month
of Ramadan, Etihad Airways’ hospitality service, which includes in-flight
catering, will continue to operate as normal. However, for guests who are
fasting, in-flight public announcements are made regarding both Suhoor and
Iftar timings.
In addition, for
those flights which arrive close to Iftar, Etihad will have a special Ramadan
offering which is packaged for the guest to take with them. The offering
includes Arabian dates, Laban, a fresh sandwich and a bottle of water.