A previous Bristol Airport Santa flight - it will return this week with the help of Jet2.com(Image: Artur Lesniak)

Bristol's Santa flight takes to the skies for the first time since Covid

by · BristolLive

Bristol's Santa flight will take to the skies this week for the first time since being grounded by the Covid pandemic. Deserving children and families from all over the South West will be on board for a morning of festive fun - and they may also get a glimpse of the man in red himself.

This year Bristol Airport is teaming up with Jet2.com for the flight. Bristol Airport’s charity of the year, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC), Children’s Hospice South West, British Heart Foundation and Weston Hospice have nominated children for a seat on board.

Youngsters from neighbouring villages have also been invited, including from Winford Church of England Primary School, Wrington C of E Primary School, Court de Wyck Church School in Claverham and Backwell C of E Junior School.

Organisers say there will be "plenty of fun and games" on today's (December 11) flight, including face painting and entertainment, an appearance by Blaze Bear from Bristol Airport’s Fire team and Christmas presents for every child.

Tracy Comer, community relations manager, Bristol Airport said: "We are thrilled to be able to bring back our charity Santa flight and it’s all thanks to Jet2.com. We have it on good authority that Santa will be carrying out a test flight in the South West on Wednesday, December 11th, so we’re confident we might get a sighting of Santa!

"This is such a special day for everyone involved and it’s wonderful to be offering some very brave children a moment of fun this Christmas time and for them to be able to make special memories with their families and school friends."

Steph Kojder, Bristol Airport manager for Jet2.com, said: "We are looking forward to putting on a very special day for these local children and their families, and we know it will help create incredible memories for everyone. Of course, any Santa flight needs a guest appearance from Santa himself, so we are very much hoping that he can get over to Bristol Airport at this busy time of year to join us all – we think he will!"

Anna Perry, Chief Executive Officer, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, said: "It's great to hear that Bristol Airport's Jet2.com Santa Flight is back this year. I can't think of a better way to kickstart Christmas for our former patients and their families who all deserve to be treated to something very special this holiday season.

“I'd like to express my thanks for the wonderful support we've received throughout the whole year from Bristol Airport's staff and business partners; their efforts are helping us to be there for people in urgent need of critical care in our region."