Etihad Airways is reinforcing its partnership with leading wildlife charity, Born Free, by refreshing its popular 'Etihad Explorers' children's packs, which now include an activity booklet developed with Born Free. The aim is to provide the airline's younger guests with a greater understanding of animal welfare and how they can play a part in reducing man's impact on fragile natural habitats, wildlife conservation and wild animal welfare.

First launched in September 2016, Etihad Explorers is the airline's children's brand, featured on activity packs and meal items. It aims to instill a sense of excitement and anticipation during their journey.

Jamal Ahmed Al Awadhi, Etihad Airways Head of Guest Experience, said: "Our young guests are tremendously important to us and we continuously strive to find more informative, fun and engaging ways to entertain them during their time with us.

"The refreshed packs are also a way of forming a lasting bond between them and Etihad Airways, making them more aware of who we are and where we fly to and, with the support of Born Free, enhancing their knowledge of important issues facing the planet. We have some exciting developments coming up in this regard."

Born Free has supported Etihad Airways in the development of its comprehensive animal welfare and conservation policy and with various employee awareness-raising activities, promoting the importance of animal welfare and responsible tourism. The airline has supported Born Free in the highly successful promotion of the Elsa the Lioness bracelet in its inflight shopping catalogue.

Will Travers OBE, President & Co-Founder of Born Free, said: "Etihad Airways is an important global partner in promoting wild animal welfare and connecting people with the urgent need to protect animals and their habitats all over the planet. Together we can help educate future generations so they can help deliver our vision of compassionate conservation for all species."

Milk Jnr's & Kidworks, a Manchester headquartered agency specialising in engaging kid's activity packs for some of the world's biggest family brands, has revamped the Etihad Explorers packs including changing the lead characters in the three to eight-year-old packs. Jamool the Camel and Boo the Panda now take over from Kundai the Lion and Zoe the Bee.

On inbound flights to Abu Dhabi, the collectable character bag contains the activity booklet, crayons, card games and a colour-in mask. The pack on flights from Abu Dhabi includes a unique suitcase board game which allows parents and children to play together, a foam version of Boo the Panda, colour-in postcards, crayons, and a handy waterproof travel wallet.

For nine to 13-year old children, a refreshed and more mature seascape-themed pack is now provided and includes Sudoku, mazes, lined notes and join-the-dot games. These packs also contain a pencil case, pencil, a dual-function bookmark and ruler, and a notepad.

Other onboard facilities for young travellers and their families include the dedicated 'Just 4 Kids' section on the Etihad Airways E-BOX inflight entertainment system, and a Flying Nanny on all long-haul flights. Flying Nannies were introduced in 2013 and provide an extra pair of hands to allow parents more personal time while they entertain the children.

Etihad Airways Commitment to the Protection and Preservation of Wildlife

Etihad Airways remains committed to the protection and preservation of wildlife and is one of the signatories to the Declaration of the United for Wildlife International Taskforce on the Transportation of Illegal Wildlife Products, signed at Buckingham Palace in March 2016. The comprehensive Animal Welfare and Conservation Policy incorporates a strong commitment to wildlife conservation. This was drafted in collaboration with Born Free, which provided advice on specific actions for the airline. Going beyond legal requirements, it includes strict cargo protocols to prevent the carriage of endangered and threatened species, hunting trophies containing any animal parts, shark fins and live animals intended for use in scientific research. 

Etihad Airways works closely with Born Free to review all holiday activities which involve interaction with animals to ensure that best practices are being followed.

Contributed by Etihad Airways