Virgin Atlantic is flying 50 Ukrainian orphans and their legal guardians to the UK.
The orphans, their guardians and representatives from the two charities that are working on bringing the group to safety, are currently in Poland after having been evacuated a week ago.
Virgin Atlantic, will take the group from Warsaw to London, where they will stay for a few days before heading to Scotland, where the charities will work to house them and help them settle into their new lives.
The outbound flight to Poland is delivering supplies to the area, including thermal blankets, hygiene packs, wound care, medical and surgical supplies, PPE and medicines.
The operation, dubbed Project Light, has been facilitated by nonprofit Magen David Adom UK in association with charities Dnipro Kids and Save a Child.
Magen David Adom UK CEO Daniel Burger said: “This mammoth operation has only been possible thanks to so many people’s generosity.”
Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss added: “All of us at Virgin Atlantic will do whatever we can to support the innocent victims of war in Ukraine.
“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.”
Virgin Atlantic has also helped deliver humanitarian aid to Ukraine and neighbouring countries to help those affected by the war.
The airline’s onboard donations are also being diverted to Save the Children’s Emergency Fund for Ukraine and its online fundraising campaign for the UNHCR Ukraine appeal is open, with the Virgin Atlantic Foundation matching donations up to £50,000.
