Dreams took flight: Children of Masti Ki Pathshala experience the joy of flying with Air India Express

This aimed to bring alive the wonder, joy, and magic of the current festive season. Curated as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, the initiative also marks the beginning of a partnership between AIX and Tata Steel Foundation to create meaningful opportunities for children and communities.

Around 150 children, accompanied by teachers and facilitators from the Foundation, were hosted for a carefully curated aviation experience in Ranchi.

The day began early in the morning, with children being picked up from the campuses of Masti Ki Pathshala in Jamshedpur and transported by bus to Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi.

Upon arrival, the children had a pre-flight interaction with nominated pilots and cabin crew members of Air India Express. The session offered the children a rare opportunity to interact with aviation professionals, ask questions, and dream bigger about the future.

At 12:30 p.m., the children embarked on a 45-minute joy flight, the first-ever flight for most, offering them a safe, inspiring and unforgettable introduction to the world of aviation. The experience was complemented with an in-flight meal, adding to the excitement and sense of celebration. Tata Steel Foundation supported the initiative by providing the venue and food arrangements at ITI Tamar.

Commenting on the Joy Flight, Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with the Tata Steel Foundation in offering a first-flight experience to children from Masti Ki Pathshala. Seeing the excitement and sense of wonder in their eyes is a powerful reminder of the impact such moments can have. Experiences like these reinforce that aviation is not only about connecting places, but also about the wonders and excitement of travel”

Speaking on the occasion, Sourav Roy, CEO, Tata Steel Foundation, said: “At Tata Steel Foundation, our commitment to education and supporting children is guided by our efforts to strengthen institutions like Masti Ki Pathshala that nurture learning and aspiration at the grassroots. We were delighted to see children experience the aviation sector for the first time, opening new horizons and aspirations. This collaboration with Air India Express marks the beginning of a partnership to work together in creating learning opportunities and positive outcomes for children and communities.”