Mada, Qatar Airways launch flight simulation lab for autistic patients – The Peninsula

Mada, Qatar Airways launch flight simulation lab for autistic patients – The Peninsula

Doha: Qatar Assistive Technology Center (Mada) has launched a flight simulation lab for children with autism spectrum disorder and their parents, an exceptional facility developed with the support of Qatar Airways.

The lab, which is part of Mada’s innovation programme, is designing and developing a realistic cabin inside the aircraft based on both virtual and augmented reality to allow children with autism spectrum disorder and their parents a simulated experience of a flight on Qatar Airways.

The flight simulation lab provides an experience designed to relieve the stress and anxiety that afflicts parents and children with autism spectrum disorder when travelling by air.

The experience simulates a full flight, starting from safety instructions on takeoff and interaction with the ocean and the crew of the aircraft during the flight virtually, ending with the landing process.

Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways H E Akbar Al Baker expressed his pride in providing full support to the “Flight Simulation Lab” programme and joining Mada in continuing its efforts to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder and work to create more inclusive communities both on the ground and in the air, stressing the firm commitment to take care of all passengers at all stages of their journey