Local airport selects Dreamflight as official charity

Cotswold Airport, formally RAF Kemble, today announced its selection of Dreamflight as its chosen charity partner.

Dreamflight is a charity, founded by two former British Airways employees, that takes 192 sick or disabled children on a once in a lifetime trip to Orlando, every October.  Accompanied by volunteers and medical professionals, the 10-day trip provides a memorable trip for the youngsters but also much needed respite for their parents and carers.

This year’s Dreamflight departs London’s Heathrow Airport this Sunday 27 October.

The charity has to raise over £1.2 million annually to fund the trip to the theme parks of central Florida. Chartering a British Airways aircraft to transport the children and carers to Orlando, Dreamflight funds their accommodation, care and entry to the world famous theme parks and attractions of Orlando, Florida.

Suzannah Harvey, CEO Cotswold Airport said: “Dreamflight is an amazing charity using the power of aviation to make a life changing difference to so many children’s lives through these once in a lifetime trips.

“With Cotswold Airport being home to British Airways’ Negus 747, the aircraft type of choice to transport the Dreamflight passengers for 33 trips up until their retirement in 2020, it makes sense for us to work with such an amazing charity and help them reach their fundraising goals.”

Donation points will be situated in the AV8 restaurant and across the site for visitors to contribute. The airport will also support the charity in the use of Negus 747 for fundraising events and the provision of experiences such as Spitfire flights and airport tours for auction prizes.

Lisa Bishop, head of fundraising and communications added: “It is so exciting to be working with Cotswold Airport and to have them select us as their chosen charity. Dreamflight will this year be taking its 36th trip to Orlando and has to date helped create priceless memories for over 6,500 children.

"Support from organisations such as Cotswold Airport makes this possible and we can’t wait to make the most of this relationship.”