Budiey
AFTER INNOVATING THE SKIES, AIRASIA X TAKES INNOVATION TO SCHOOL
Long-haul, Low-fare Airline partners Open Learning Exchange (OLE) Nepal on pilot educational program
[dropcap]K[/dropcap]ATHMANDU, 20 NOVEMBER 2012 –Barely five months after flight D7 192 arrived in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu to mark AirAsia X’s arrival into Nepal’s picturesque capital city, the Kuala Lumpur based long-haul low fare airline today launched the One Laptop Per Child Program, a community outreach project in partnership with OLE Nepal, a non-profit organization dedicated to improve the quality of education in Nepal, while reducing the disparity in education quality and access through the integration of technology in the classroom teaching-learning process.
The collaboration between OLE Nepal and AirAsia X for an initial period of 12-months is the first community outreach programme for us and the first for OLE Nepal in tapping corporate funding to reach out to the community as a non profit organisation.
Under the One Laptop Per Child Program, AirAsia X will sponsor 30 specially designed XO laptops made by One Laptop Per Child for young children at Chandi Devi Primary School and train teachers on integrating the laptops and digital learning resources in classroom teaching.
AirAsia X, Chief Executive Officer, Azran Osman-Rani who visited the school with Chairwoman, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz and several senior executives from the airline said,
[pullquote align=”right”]“AirAsia X is humbled to be in a position to make a difference to the lives of children in a country that it operates in and is committed to ensuring the success of the program.”[/pullquote]
“AirAsia X started with the belief of connecting people and businesses in underserved areas and positively impact the way they live, work and play. As an airline that drives innovation across all areas of our business, we are pleased to work with an organization that shares in our belief and our philosophy of making a difference and improve lives.”
“As guests, we are also conscious of our social responsibility towards people and community in the countries that we visit and we constantly look at the needs of the community for the best and most effective way in which we can and should be involved in.”
The XO laptops will be pre-loaded with various learning tools including the curriculum based digital learning materials, E-Path, designed by OLE Nepal. The school will also be fitted with a local network that includes a server connected to OLE Nepal’s digital library, E-Pustakalaya.
“Education is a subject that’s close to our hearts and entrenched in the DNA of the airline and is a personal vision of our Co-Founder and Director, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes. We will continue to support any noble initiative that best serves and brings about improvement to the community where we are present,” concluded Azran.
AirAsia X began operating flights to Kathmandu in July, 2012 and currently flies three flights weekly between Kuala Lumpur to Kathmandu onboard the A330-300 aircraft in a 2-class configuration of 12 Premium Flatbed seats and 365 Economy seats.
AirAsia X was the first long-haul, low fare carrier to introduce Flatbed seats, which have standard business class specifications of 20” width, 60” pitch and stretch out to 77” in full recline position.
The Premium flatbeds feature universal power sockets, adjustable headrests and built-in personal utilities such as tray table, drink holder, reading light and privacy screen.
Premium seat guests also enjoy premium complimentary products and services including Pick A Seat, Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage, 20kg Baggage Allowance, Complimentary Meal and Pillow & Blanket.
