Children and teachers from Ardnashee school arrived at the Airport on Friday December 15 where they were greeted by airport staff and bmi crew ahead of their very special flight.
Santa arrived shortly after 10am with gifts and treats for all the boys and girls.
Commercial and Marketing Manager for City of Derry Airport, Charlene Shongo said: “We are absolutely delighted to offer children from Ardnashee School & College a very unique and special experience with Santa from their local airport this Christmas.
“We wanted to give something back to the community where we work and live and to offer the children a very memorable and magical gift this Christmas.
“There was a great buzz and excitement throughout the terminal as we welcomed the children from Ardnashee school. The joy in their faces as Santa arrived with gifts and the excitement of taking a flight with him was fantastic.
“Children sang songs and cheered during the flight and it was a real heartwarming experience. The airport staff and management are absolutely delighted we were able to facilitate this magical experience for the children from their local airport.”
Jochen Schnadt, Chief Commercial Officer from bmi said: “This is the first time bmi has teamed up with City of Derry Airport to host a Santa Flight. We are privileged to have been involved in this great initiative and hope we were able to create a magical Christmas experience for the children from Ardnashee School & College. Of course, Santa, too, had a great time trading his sleigh in for our Embraer jet!”
Vice Principals Imelda Mallon and Donna Cartin said: “We have had the most wonderful experience for our Ardnashee pupils, it was a magical time and the pupils’ dreams came true when they meet Santa who accompanied them on an amazing flight around the North West Coast.
“The children really loved their time at the airport, the presents they received and meeting the brilliant staff from City of Derry Airport and BMI.
“The staff provided them with such a warm welcome to enable them to overcome their fears of flying. One pupil said he always wanted to get up in the clouds and today his dreams came true. Sincere thanks to all involved in the co-ordination of this fantastic experience.”
