Doncaster Sheffield Airport: Disabled people enjoy flights from airport
More than 70 individuals with disabilities took to the skies from Doncaster Sheffield Airport last week, when specially adapted flights were organised to open up access to aviation.
Aerobility, a national charity which aims to transform lives by enabling people with disabilities to experience the magic of flight, was in attendance with two aircraft based at the airport between Tuesday and Thursday, supported by fellow aviation charity, The Mark Long Trust.
Multiple flights took off with individuals from a range of backgrounds, disabilities and ages taking part, both from South Yorkshire and further afield.
Chief executive of Aerobility, Mike Miller-Smith, said: “It has been a great few days at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, with the weather playing its part.
"Providing access to aviation and a memorable experience for people who might not otherwise get that opportunity, whatever their disability, is what the charity exists to do.
“Having delivered thousands of accessible flights over the years, it has been fantastic to visit Yorkshire, and we hope that this is the start of a long and successful partnership.
"Our thanks go to the entire airport team, the incredible people at The Mark Long Trust, as well as 2Excel Aviation for their support, ADHD 360 and the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, without whom, none of this would have been possible.”
Director at FlyDoncaster Ltd Christian Foster said: “It has been a pleasure to work with the Aerobility and The Mark Long Trust teams, not just this week but in the months of detailed planning that have made the visit a massive success.
"We have an ambition to be a leader when it comes to accessibility when the airport reopens.
"That’s not just about the experience inside the terminal building but also listening to the views of individuals and experts as we build something that is welcoming of people from all walks of life and ensures that nobody misses out.”
Executive director of airport operations Simon Hinchley added: “The success of the past week has been down to a true team effort, between staff here at the airport, three charities and collaboration with our existing tenants. It has been great to see the runway busy with flight movements as we build towards reopening to freight, passenger and general aviation traffic.”