Poppy appeal flying high
Above: Proudly posing with the airline’s poppy artwork are British Airways’ Poppy Day volunteers: Cabin crew Emily Rowlands, Flight Planner Kai Burman, Customer Services Manager Andrea Popkess, Cabin Mechanic Tom Deary (centre), cabin crew Sophie Fox and Fleet Planning Engineer James Hill.
In the centenary year of the end of the First World War, the 8ft by 8ft poppy will be displayed on the aircraft as it flies to numerous British Airways destinations around the world.
Tom Deary, a British Airways Engineer, Sergeant in 381 Squadron and a former RAF Aircraft Technician, said: "It’s important that our aircraft carries the poppy as it is a national symbol of remembrance, and as a national carrier we should take pride in remembering those that have fallen in all conflicts, new or old, for our country.
"We have many colleagues that have served or are still serving in Reservist or Cadet forces roles and it is also a thank you to them for their hard work and dedication to the country."
Every year, Tom co-rallies 100 volunteers from across the airline, alongside members of the armed forces, to sell poppies at Heathrow.
Alex Cruz, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said: “We are so proud of the millions of people who represented Britain a century ago. Flying the poppy on our aircraft will help us carry the spirit of remembrance across the globe in their honour.”
A Remembrance Wall is being displayed in Terminal 5 between 1st and 11th November and collections will take place at Heathrow Terminal 3 and 5, at arrivals and departures.
On Remembrance Sunday 11th November, at 10.55am, all British Airways staff will pause ground operations and engines will be shut down to observe the two minute silence - where possible.
