EasyJet recently raised £25 000 (R544 970) for UK charity Aerobility with its special Aurora charity flight on February 18.
Aerobility was established in 1993 and provides people with disabilities access to air travel. It is run largely by disabled aviators and, through various funding and management strategies, allows disabled people to fly for a fraction of the commercial rate. It also provides advice, knowledge and advocacy for disabled people who wish to fly.
According to CEO of Aerobility, Mike Miller-Smith, the charity has delivered over 10 000 flights, changing the lives of thousands of aspiring aviators.
Miller-Smith said: “This has only been possible because of supporters like easyJet and we’re very much looking forward to delivering the next 10 000 flights with their continued support.”
The charity flights give travellers the opportunity to experience the Northern Lights from 9 144m in the air.
Before departure, travellers heard from Aurora experts including astronomer and BBC Sky at Night presenter, Pete Lawrence. The 112 passengers on board also heard inflight commentary from Lawrence, who identified star constellations and the colours of the Aurora Borealis, as well as live music by Steve Young.
The special flight, operated by Captain Chris Wade and First Officer Hannah Wells alongside cabin crew Pierina Borrotzu, Thiago Beretta, Kat Voss and Louise McCann-Sewell, took off in the evening and headed towards 61 degrees north, just south of the Faroe Islands, where the Northern Lights were sighted.
