A group of British Airways staff and celebrities have achieved a Guinness World Record for pulling the heaviest aircraft over 100 metres by a group of men and women. Yesterday’s event was part of a new fundraising campaign by the airline to raise money for Comic Relief, a global charity that helps disadvantaged young people around the world.
The aircraft – one of British Airways’ new Airbus A350-1000’s – weighed in at 182.9 tonnes, beating the old record by just 2.9 tonnes. The 90-strong team included household names like ‘The Body Coach’ Joe Wicks and TV presenter Gabby Logan, Sports stars like Gary Lineker, Nicola Adams, sprinter Iwan Thomas and Paralympic silver medalist Alfie Hewett also took part in the challenge.
The plane pull is just one of series sporting events being organised this year to raise money for Comic Relief through its Sports Relief arm. The airline also has sponsored skydives, flayathons and other sporting events arranged for the rest of the year. BA says it will match donations up to £100,000.
Over the last nine years, passengers and crew have helped to raise £24 million for the charity through donating their spare change onboard flights, as well as taking part in sponsored events and challenges.
Sport Relief is still scheduled to take place on March 13 with its aim of bringing people together through sport while also raising money for charity.
