A European airline is testing new ‘adult-only’ seating zones on its flights so that its passengers can avoid crying children.
Corendon Dutch Airlines, the sister company to Turkey-based Corendon Airlines, is trialling a new ‘adults-only’ option on its flights from Amsterdam to the Caribbean – meaning that getting stuck next to a screaming baby could soon become a thing of the past.
Comprised of 102 seats altogether, the new “Only Adult zone” at the front of the Airbus A350-900 will be available to those over sixteen only. It also includes nine seats with extra legroom, for those in need of a bit more space.
Customers sitting in the ‘adult only’ zone will then be separated from the rest of the plane by walls and curtains, with the airline saying it plans to create a “shielded environment that contributes to a calm and relaxed flight”.
The airline has also said it hoped that, as well as pleasing childless adults, the new zoning system could have a “positive effect” on parents travelling with their children too.
Speaking on the move to introduce the new zones Atilay Uslu, chairman and founder of Corendon, said: “On board our flights, we always strive to respond to the different needs of our customers.
“We are also the first Dutch airline to introduce the Only Adult zone, because we are trying to appeal to travellers looking for some extra peace of mind during their flight.
“We also believe this can have a positive effect on parents travelling with small children. They can enjoy the flight without worrying if their children make more noise.”
It’s not the first time that an airline has introduced quiet childless zones, with Scoot, the low-budget subsidiary of Singaporean airline, also moving to appease childless fliers with its aged 12+ ‘Scoot in Silence’ cabins.
Reservations for seats in the child-free space will set passengers back €45 per flight, with that price more than doubling for those after extra-large seats.
Featured image – Wikimedia Commons
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Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Georgina Pellant -
29th August 2023 
