Children with life shortening conditions and their families have taken to the skies for a special flight as Loganair and Children’s Hospices Across Scotland marked five years of working together.

Six families were given VIP treatment at Glasgow Airport on Saturday 5 September before boarding a Loganair aircraft for a scenic flight over Scotland’s west coast and islands, creating memories that for some families would otherwise have been extremely difficult to make.

The flight was given the number LM1996, marking the year CHAS children’s hospice Rachel House first opened its doors.

Before departure, the families enjoyed entertainment in Glasgow Airport’s Campsie Lounge, with character appearances, singalongs and soft play helping turn the journey itself into part of the occasion.

The surprises continued aboard the Loganair ATR 72 600 as Princess Merida and Spider Gwen joined the children for their journey.

A water cannon salute from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was waiting when the aircraft returned to Glasgow.

Among those on board was four year old Isla Johnstone from Glasgow, who lives with acute myeloid leukaemia and has been supported by Robin House and the CHAS at Home service during the past year.

Her mum Georgeta said:

“This flight was so special for us as Isla hasn’t been on a plane since she was a baby and she was always asking me when she can fly again, but because of her condition, it just hasn’t been possible until now.

“Isla was so excited flying over all the islands and loved every single minute of this wonderful experience.

“We are incredibly thankful to Loganair and CHAS for making Isla’s dream come true.”

For Isla herself, the highlight was beautifully straightforward.

She said:

“My favourite thing about the flight was being up in the air and flying!

“I also loved meeting Merida and Spider-Gwen.”

Loganair Chief Executive Officer Luke Farajallah said:

“This flight has become one of the moments we look forward to most each year.

“Connecting Scotland’s communities is at the heart of what we do every day, but there is something especially meaningful about using our aircraft to create happy memories for children and families who are facing incredibly difficult circumstances.

“CHAS is there for families when they need support most, and the generosity of the businesses and people across Glasgow Airport is what makes days like this possible.

“Five years into our partnership, our commitment to CHAS has never been stronger. We’re incredibly proud to play our part, and we’ll continue to find new ways to raise vital funds, support the charity and, most importantly, help families make memories together.”

The partnership extends far beyond the annual flight, with Loganair helping CHAS nurses reach families living in remote island communities through the CHAS at Home service.

That service made 1476 visits during the past year, while Loganair has raised more than £100,000 for CHAS since the partnership began in 2021.

Aimee Russell, Senior Partnership Executive at CHAS, said:

“For many families supported by CHAS, it is often difficult to fly or use other forms of transport because of their child’s complex needs.

“Our important partnership with Loganair means we can bring smiles to children and help create special memories for families to always treasure.

“Experiences like this mean so much to the families we support, and we would like to say a huge thank you to Loganair and their partner organisations for making this incredible flight possible once again.”

For six families on Saturday, however, the partnership was measured not in money raised or miles travelled, but in the simple pleasure of looking down on Scotland together from high above the clouds.

For further information on the partnership between Loganair and CHAS click here