On Thursday 10 September 2015, 149 disadvantaged children from Croix-Rouge Luxembourgeoise, Caritas Luxembourg and SOS Kannerduerf took to the sky to enjoy a special flight organised by Luxair, through an initiative organised by the Arcus association.

Every day, hundreds of children and adolescents who face family difficulties or traumatic experiences are supported by Arcus, Croix-Rouge luxembourgeoise, Caritas Luxembourg and SOS Kannerduerf. These associations aim to create a stable living environment for these young people, whilst promoting their personal development, securing their access to education and aiding their social integration through specific programmes.

"We have developed education projects and shelter solutions, which have as their objective the promotion of autonomy, personality development, self-affirmation and social integration of children and adolescents," explained Georges Rotink, Deputy Director at non-profit association Arcus.

The flight was provided by the LuxairGroup, which aimed to offer the children a fun time before school started.

"All the children were excited to experience flying!" commented Caroline Theves in charge of Donor Relations and Partners at Caritas Luxembourg. "On behalf of the children, their parents and educational staff, we warmly thank the Luxair team for their generosity and for making this experience possible."

149 children aged between 2 and 18 years old and accompanied by their teachers boarded special flights LG7111 and LG107, operated by a Boeing 737 and an Embraer 145 to experience Luxembourg from above.

"The children were waiting for this event for several days," saud Rita Heyen, head of the Norbert Ensch reception centre of Croix-Rouge luxembourgeoise. "Some were very excited and asked us a lot of questions. The weather was set to be good; they were able to admire the charming Luxembourg landscape from above".

As the children landed back down on solid ground, they were greeted with gifts by the LUXi mascot in the arrival area of the terminal.

"The weekend after the flight, at a football tournament at the children's village in Mersch, the children ran to me talking all over again about the flight and all wearing the yellow LuxairTours hat," added Marianne Brosius, Director of Fondation Lëtzebuerger Kannerduerf.

Photos by LuxairGroup