Hundreds of colleagues across the airline helped make dreams come true on Sunday, October 20 as 192 children with serious illnesses or conditions jetted off to Disney World and Florida.
The ‘Dreamflight’ was waved off by long-time patron Sir Cliff Richard, who sang an acapella version of – of course – Summer Holiday – changing the famous title to ‘Dreamflight Holiday’.
This is the 27th anniversary of the trip, which has been supported by British Airways from the start.
Sir Cliff was joined by celebrity gardener Charlie Dimmock, who is accompanying two children on the trip which will take in the Disney and Universal parks as well as swimming with dolphins. A host of characters including Star Wars stormtroopers and even Chewbacca were also at the event, accompanied by the band of the Welsh Guards.
Chief executive Keith Williams was also on hand to bid bon voyage as the specially-liveried aircraft set off for the 10-day trip.
Sir Cliff said: “ Dreamflight is a charity very close to my heart and I’m so pleased I can be part of this day to see the joy, and happiness this trip to Florida brings the children.”
Captain Andrew Bean summed up the feelings of all those at BA: “ We feel honoured to be flying the Dreamflight group of children to Florida. The children are such an inspiration to us all and it’s wonderful to be part of this special trip.”
The flight marks the