British Airways has raised over £898,000 for Red Nose Day this year, said the airline in an official statement.
A total of over £26 million has been collected for Flying Start through its global charity partnership with Comic Relief that first began in 2010.
British Airways thanked the generosity of its customers who have donated onboard and from continued fundraising efforts from the airline’s colleagues.
One of the airline’s fundraising activities to mark Red Nose Day included a ‘trolley dash’ challenge – British Airways cabin crew set off racing across London, pushing aircraft trolleys around a route taking in famous landmarks, raising thousands of pounds through online sponsors and donations from generous spectators.
This year, Red Nose Day donations will also help to fund organisations providing essential support for people in Ukraine affected by the conflict and the mass displacement of people to many parts of the world.
This includes making a donation to the Disaster Emergency Committee’s (DEC) Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal that will support refugees fleeing Ukraine, where at least 3 million people have fled their homes to escape the conflict.
These funds will support DEC charities and their local partners in Ukraine and neighbouring countries to provide food, water, shelter and medical assistance.
British Airways is also flying aid and medics to the region, as well as redirecting its onboard donations to go towards the DEC’s Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal for the next few weeks.
Carrie Harris, British Airways’ Head of Sustainability, said: “This is our twelfth year partnering with Comic Relief through Flying Start and we’re incredibly proud of the support from our colleagues and customers.
“Right now, like everyone else, our thoughts and focus surrounds helping communities impacted by the conflict in Ukraine.
“We are proud to have the support of our charity partners, including Comic Relief and the DEC, to help us contribute and we hope these funds can go some way in making a meaningful difference to those in need.”
Customers can donate to Flying Start by visiting http://www.ba-flyingstart.com/
