First time United Airlines partners with The Honeypot Children’s Charity for its U.K. Fantasy Flight
It is the first time United Airlines, which has been running the festive initiative in the U.S. and other countries across its global network for more than 25 years, has partnered with The Honeypot Children’s Charity for its U.K. Fantasy Flight. The children, many of whom had never been on a plane before, were brought together by the charity through the services it operates across the UK.
Employees from United Airlines at Heathrow Airport, including customer service staff and flight attendants, worked together to organise the day of adventure at the airport. The United team, with support from the charity, collaborated to ensure a magical day for all of the children involved.
Thirty children took part in the adventure, boarding a United Airlines Boeing 767-300 aircraft to enjoy onboard festive entertainment and refreshments. After an hour of fun and games, the excited young adventurers were whisked away and had little idea what to expect when they arrived at the Renaissance Hotel. Father Christmas and his elves welcomed the children to Santa’s Grotto for an afternoon of festive fun, which included Christmas lunch, music and unwrapping presents.
“We are delighted to have this opportunity to support the invaluable work of The Honeypot Children’s Charity here in the U.K. for the first time and bring some festive cheer to so many children,” said Karolien De Hertogh, Director Sales UK and Ireland for United Airlines. “I am also proud of our London Heathrow employees who volunteered their time to staff, fund and build this special Fantasy Flight event, giving children a special day to remember.”
“Many of these children, some as young as five, will be caring for a sick or disabled parent or sibling over the festive period,” said Simmi Woodwal, CEO, The Honeypot Children’s Charity. “This Fantasy Flight will be many of the children’s first experience at an airport or on an airplane. We are deeply grateful to be collaborating with United Airlines to make this magical memory for these young carers!”