Virgin Atlantic to bring 50+ orphaned Ukrainian children to UK

Virgin Atlantic is supporting a trio of charities to bring more than 50 Ukrainian orphans and eight carers from Poland to the UK.

One of the airline’s Boeing 787 aircraft took off from Heathrow at noon on Wednesday (March 23) as part of the partnership with MDA UK, Save a Child and Dnipro Kids.

The humanitarian relief flight, donated for the journey, is carrying humanitarian cargo including thermal blankets, hygiene packs, wound care, medical and surgical supplies, PPE and medicines to the Polish capital of Warsaw.

On its return leg, the flight will bring the Ukrainian orphans and their guardians to the UK, where they will be supported by Dnipro Kids on arrival.

The flight is due to back at Heathrow at 8pm.

Shai Weiss, chief executive at the airline, said: “All of us at Virgin Atlantic will do whatever we can to support the innocent people caught up in the war in Ukraine.

“We are pleased to partner with the Dnipro appeal, MDA and Save a Child and commend them for the incredible work they’re undertaking in bringing these children to safety.

“We will continue to look for ways to use the power of our people and planes to support the humanitarian relief effort in Ukraine and stand ready to act as opportunities arise.”

The fuel for the Virgin Atlantic flight has been donated by Esso Petroleum, an affiliate of ExxonMobil.