It was chocks away again for another British Airways Dreamflight took to the skies making lifelong memories and smiles on the faces of the hundreds of children, who all have a serious illness or disability that had been welcomed onboard.
Every year Dreamflight raises funds to enable a British Airways 747 to fly almost 200 children to Florida to enjoy a fun packed ten-day trip. On the trip, they spend time at attractions including Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Universal Studios.
Singer-songwriter Una Healy mingled and took selfies with the children before they boarded the special jet. “It is a pleasure to be part of such an inspiring event at the British Airways hangar this morning. Dreamflight does amazing work and it’s great to meet the children, hear their stores and see the excitement on their faces. I’m sure they’ll have a trip to remember.” Una Healy said.
British Airways supports the Dreamflight team each year to help give the departure a party atmosphere. An army of volunteers donned superhero outfits, including dressing up as Stormtroopers to wow the children, while the Air Cadet National Marching Band performed popular hangar-roof-raising songs. British Airways cabin crew and pilots were also at Heathrow as the children boarded the superjumbo through a magical castle.
British Airways Captain, Andy Raynes is flying the group out on his ninth Dreamflight trip. He will be staying with the group while out in Orlando, as one of the chaperones for the children on their trip. Speaking just before the flight departed Andy said: “I’m incredibly excited for my ninth Dreamflight trip. It’s a huge honour to work with the team and seeing the reaction of the children at the departure and throughout their trip will be incredibly rewarding. Each year it’s astounding to see how their confidence grows as the trip progresses. It’ll be a magical experience that I’m sure the children won’t forget.”
Since the first flight in 1987 more than 5,800 children have flown on Dreamflight. For many, it’s the very first time they’ve travelled abroad and been away without their family. The young fliers are accompanied by the Dreamflight team, British Airways cabin crew, and a fully trained medical team, which includes doctors, nurses and physiotherapists who are on hand 24-hours a day throughout the trip.
