EgyptAir, the national flag carrier of Egypt, has made a touching gesture by gifting a newborn baby a lifetime travel ticket after an unexpected mid-flight delivery. The airline announced, the baby born aboard one of its flights, will now have the opportunity to fly for free with EgyptAir for life.
The remarkable event occurred during flight MS887, a Boeing 737-800, which was en route from Cairo International Airport to Douala International Airport in Cameroon. The flight was traveling at an altitude of 35,000 feet when a Cameroonian passenger went into labor, surprising both the passengers and crew.
Mid-Air Delivery at 35,000 Feet
With no medical professionals on board, the EgyptAir cabin crew sprang into action. Trained in emergency medical procedures, they provided immediate assistance to the passenger. In a dramatic moment, the baby was delivered safely at cruising altitude, marking a rare and memorable occurrence in commercial aviation.
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Following the successful birth, the cabin crew administered essential first aid to both the mother and her newborn. Recognizing that further medical attention was needed, the flight crew made the decision to divert the plane for an emergency landing.
Emergency Landing in Libya
EgyptAir coordinated with Libyan authorities to arrange an emergency landing at Kufra International Airport in southern Libya. Upon landing, local medical personnel were waiting to assist, and the mother and her newborn were safely transferred to Kufra Hospital for continued care.
“All necessary measures were taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the mother and her baby,” EgyptAir said in a statement. The airline also expressed gratitude to the cabin crew for their quick thinking and professionalism during the emergency.
A Lifetime Travel Gift
In a heartwarming gesture, EgyptAir announced that the newborn, whose name has not been revealed, would be given a lifetime travel pass to fly with the airline. This rare and generous gift ensures that the child will be able to travel with EgyptAir for free, a tribute to the extraordinary circumstances of their birth.
It is not the first time airlines have made such an offer. Airlines have occasionally extended lifetime travel benefits to babies born on board as a unique way to celebrate an unusual event in aviation.
An Uncommon Occurrence
While births on planes are rare, they do happen. According to aviation regulations, pregnant women are generally allowed to fly up until their 36th week of pregnancy, but unforeseen circumstances can arise. In-flight deliveries, although uncommon, have been successfully handled by airline crews who are trained to respond to medical emergencies.
The exact number of babies born mid-flight each year is difficult to determine, but the event is considered a milestone for both the airline and the families involved.
EgyptAir’s Global Reputation
EgyptAir, one of Africa’s leading airlines, has a reputation for high standards of service and safety. Founded in 1932, it operates flights to more than 75 destinations worldwide. The airline has expressed pride in its cabin crew for their swift response and teamwork in ensuring a safe delivery.
The newborn’s family has yet to make a public statement, but the news has garnered attention from across the aviation world, with many praising EgyptAir for its exceptional handling of the situation.
As the baby grows up with the rare distinction of being born in the skies, they will also enjoy the special privilege of traveling the world with EgyptAir, free of charge for life.
