Monday September 7th 2026
Six families received VIP treatment onboard one of Loganair's ATR 72-600s
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A four-year-old Glasgow girl was among children with life-shortening conditions who enjoyed a special scenic flight over Scotland’s west coast.
Six families from across Scotland were treated to a VIP experience at Glasgow Airport on Saturday, thanks to Loganair and its charity partner, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
The families took to the skies aboard one of Loganair’s ATR 72-600 aircraft, with the special flight given the number LM1996 to mark the year CHAS’s Rachel House children’s hospice opened.
Before take-off, families enjoyed entertainment in Glasgow Airport’s Campsie Lounge, including character meet-and-greets, singalongs and soft play.
The magic continued in the air, with Princess Merida and Spider-Gwen joining the families for the flight across the Highlands and Islands, thanks to Glasgow-based Wish Upon a Star Kingdom.
The aircraft was given a special welcome home with a water cannon salute from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Among those taking part was four-year-old Isla Johnstone from Glasgow, who lives with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Isla and her family have been supported by Robin House and CHAS at Home over the past year.
Her mum, Georgeta, said the experience was particularly special as Isla had not been on a plane since she was a baby.
“Isla was so excited flying over all the islands and loved every single minute of this wonderful experience,” she said.
“We are incredibly thankful to Loganair and CHAS for making Isla’s dream come true.”
Isla added: “My favourite thing about the flight was being up in the air and flying! I also loved meeting Merida and Spider-Gwen.”
The flight marked the fifth year of the partnership between Loganair and CHAS, with support from Glasgow Airport, Menzies, ABM, Wish Upon a Star Kingdom and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Loganair chief executive officer Luke Farajallah said the airline was proud to help families create special memories.
“Connecting Scotland’s communities is at the heart of what we do every day, but there is something especially meaningful about using our aircraft to create happy memories for children and families who are facing incredibly difficult circumstances,” he said.
Since 2021, Loganair has raised more than £100,000 for CHAS, helping support the charity’s work with families across Scotland.
The airline also supports CHAS at Home, an outreach service which provides care to families in remote island communities. The service made 1,476 visits in the past year.
CHAS senior partnership executive Aimee Russell said experiences such as the flight could mean a great deal to families supported by the charity.
“Our important partnership with Loganair means we can bring smiles to children and help create special memories for families to always treasure,” she said.
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