It was a take-off and landing with a difference as daredevil British Airways crew were joined by Paralympians in a jump for charity Dreamflight.
After operating a flight from London to Rio, pilots and cabin crew from Heathrow took to the skies once again launching off a mountain cliff with breathtaking views hand gliding onto the iconic Ipanema beach, raising thousands of pounds for the children’s charity.
Adding sporting glory to the charity fundraiser were Paralympian swimmers Liz Johnson from Team GB and Brazil’s Phileppe Rodrigues, joining around a dozen crew.
The team raised nearly £15,000 smashing their original £7,000 target which will pay for four children to go on a dream holiday to Orlando, Florida.
With Rio 2016 just two months away, the team wanted to conquer a challenge and help the worthy cause which sends seriously ill and disabled children on a trip of a lifetime.
Every year, Dreamflight specially charter a British Airways jumbo jet, to fly 200 children on a fun packed holiday, where they spend time at attractions including Disney World and Universal Studios.
The airline which is promoting travel between London and Florida recently pulled a creative stunt in which passengers were shocked to spot an alligator on the runway.
British Airways Customer Service Leader Neil Parsons said: “Dreamflight is a fantastic charity that British Airways has supported for 30 years, and we wanted to challenge ourselves to raise money for their incredible cause.
“The view taking off from Heathrow, can’t quite beat soaring over the mountains in Rio and landing on Ipanema beach!”
Heathrow which celebrated its 70th anniversary on May 31 , is also currently on our screens in a special behind the scenes documentary Britain's Busiest Airport , in which the second episode stars a BA airside crew member.
