SIA to operate charity flight for 300 disadvantaged people to celebrate SG50

SINGAPORE - Singapore Airlines (SIA) will be organising a special charity flight for 300 beneficiaries of Community Chest on the Airbus A380, as part of Singapore's 50th birthday.

A first for SIA, the three-hour return flight on May 29, 2015, will have on board children with special needs, adults with disabilities, as well as disadvantaged elderly and their families, many of whom have never taken a flight before.

In addition to enjoying an in-flight meal service and entertainment system, beneficiaries will be treated to special performances by SIA's cabin crew during the flight.

Volunteers from SIA, comprising ground staff, cabin crew and pilots, will also be on hand to assist the beneficiaries.

The charity flight is supported by SIA's partners Airbus, Changi Airport Group, Sats and Shell Aviation.

Singapore Airlines CEO, Mr Goh Choon Phong, said: "We and our supporting partners are thrilled to be able to share with the beneficiaries the excitement of flying. We hope to provide them a unique and memorable experience that they will cherish forever.

"At the same time we are doing our part to give back to the community during Singapore's 50th birthday year while raising awareness for the many worthwhile programmes that Community Chest supports."

Community Chest will be raising funds through this event. Members of the public can donate to Community Chest. All donations will go towards social service programmes for the underprivileged.

Under the Care & Share Movement for SG50 led by Community Chest, the donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the government.

Community Chest Managing Director, Ms Ng Ling Ling, said: "Flying for the first time is a wonderful experience. It is extra special for those who have had to face many challenges in their lives. For these beneficiaries, it is not just a simple flight - it is the confidence that anything is possible."

stephluo@sph.com.sg