JEDDAH, 26 September 2006 — Saudi Arabian Airlines has employed 24 young physically-challenged Saudis who have high school degrees to work in the different departments of the catering unit.
Vice President for Catering, Shawqi Mushtaq, said that Saudia continuously seeks to care for people with special needs and provide all means and possibilities for caring them.
“This is in line with the efforts made by the government to offer this segment of our society with more care, encouragement to be active and develop themselves and raise awareness of their disabilities and ways of prevention. In addition, it creates a positive stand on how to relate to this important section of our community,” said Mushtaq.
Four of the Saudis were hired to work in preparing and organizing the items for the in-flight sales cart; eight of them were assigned to preparing the newspapers and magazines, first-aid kit and gifts for first and business class passengers; four are office assistants; and eight are involved in food preparation.
Mushtaq said that they were trained to do their duties and they showed personal commitment mentally and physically to do their job accurately.
“Their duties require that they produce food and prepare items to the highest standard and quality to guarantee safety and punctuality,” he said.
He said that the airline would continue to attract more Saudis with special needs in their other departments depending on their mental and physical abilities.
