KIDZANIA Singapore, an interactive indoor edutainment centre built around realistic role-playing activities, is scheduled to open this April at Palawan Beach on Sentosa Island.
In a press conference yesterday, Qatar Airways, KidZania’s latest industry partner, revealed its life-size decommissioned Boeing 737 measuring over 25 metres in length with a wingspan of 28 metres.
Qatar Airways group CEO, Akbar Al Bakar, said: “We are delighted to be here, to showcase our brand and be part of the growth of the vision of our kids. We are here to help KidZania educate children, especially in the field of aviation. The brand of Qatar present in the backyard of Singapore Airlines is also very important for us.”
He added: “Aviation is where the future lies, and it is a very important tool in developing tourism. Singapore’s economy is dependent on tourism and on business, and aviation is a contributor. We want to educate children to think about a future in aviation.”
This is Qatar Airways’ second KidZania partnership and there are plans afoot to announce a third KidZania partnership in the very near future.
Visitors entering KidZania Singapore will be greeted at the Qatar Airways-branded airport terminal, complete with check-in desks and personnel dressed in the carrier’s uniforms.
Aspiring pilots at KidZania Singapore can experience flying two of Qatar Airways’ aircraft – the 787 Dreamliner and the A380 superjumbo – with the help of state-of-the-art flight simulators. Kids can also roleplay as cabin crew and learn how to ensure the safety and comfort of their passengers onboard.
On how different KidZania Singapore is compared to the other 22 KidZanias around the world, William Edwards, CEO of Attractions – Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels, said: “This particular plane that we have at the airport entrance to KidZania Singapore is the first full-wing fuselage plane that is featured (in a KidZania facility).”
But it’s not just for kids. Tunku Dato’ Ahmad Burhanuddin, group managing director and CEO of Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels, said: “Parents will be allowed into the flight simulator area as well, and be able to experience it as a passenger.”
When asked why Qatar Airways was chosen as a partner instead of Singapore’s flag carrier Singapore Airlines, Leong Yue Weng, general manager of KidZania Singapore, said: “As Singapore is an international air hub, KidZania Singapore sought to approach various airlines, including the local carriers, to explore possible partnership opportunities during the discussion stage.
“It reached a mutual agreement with Qatar Airways and is looking forward to jointly presenting an edutainment aviation experience for children when KidZania Singapore opens.”
