American Airlines, Make-A-Wish and Disney unite to grant children’s wishes on special Wish Flight
In honour of World Wish Month, American Airlines, Make-A-Wish and Disney are coming together to grant the wishes of children facing critical illnesses.
On 17 April, 28 wish families will embark on an extraordinary journey aboard a chartered flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Orlando, Florida, to experience the magic of Walt Disney World Resort®.
The journey begins with a heartwarming send-off celebration at American’s headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, where wish families were greeted with cheers, refreshments and photo opportunities.
Amidst the excitement, the children learn about the special Wish Flight that awaits them.
The Wish Flight promises to be an unforgettable experience, starting with a pre-flight celebration at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Wish families will enjoy a breakfast bar and receive a special send-off from the WishMakers who make dreams come true. The inflight experience will be filled with interactive games, a special snack menu, surprise entertainment and magical moments courtesy of American Airlines.
Upon landing at Orlando International Airport, families will be welcomed by enthusiastic WishMakers cheering their arrival. The festivities continue with a warm reception at Give Kids The World Village, a whimsical nonprofit resort where families will spend six days and five nights as part of their wish trip.
All the children’s wishes revolve around visiting Walt Disney World Resort®, and since 1980, Make-A-Wish, in partnership with Disney, has granted over 155,000 life-changing wishes like these.
Leslie Motter, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish America, expressed gratitude for the long-standing support of American Airlines and Disney, highlighting their role in bringing hope, strength, and joy to children battling critical illnesses and their families:
As long-time WishMakers, American Airlines and Disney know what it takes to deliver hope, strength and joy to children with critical illnesses and their families. In the case of Wish Flight, they will provide wish families with an experience unlike any other that is sure to create unforgettable memories before they even step foot off the plane to begin their wish trips.
Make-A-Wish relies heavily on donations, particularly airline miles, to fulfil travel wishes for children facing critical illnesses. American Airlines, their longest-standing airline partner, generously donated the chartered aircraft and continues to donate millions of AAdvantage® miles annually to make wish travel possible. During April, American will direct all AAdvantage® miles donated to Miles for Global Health and Well-Being to Make-A-Wish, up to 50 million miles.
Caroline Clayton, Vice President of Communications and Marketing at American Airlines, emphasised the company’s commitment to uplifting communities by making wishes come true:
At American, we’re in the business of connecting people and creating experiences through the joy of travel. We hope these kids and their families can feel the support, strength and excitement of our team members as they embark on this heartwarming journey with us. As a partner of Make-A-Wish for more than 35 years, we are grateful to help uplift our community by helping to make wishes come true for those who need it most.
Wishes wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and generosity of WishMakers. Make-A-Wish chapters worldwide are inviting communities to join the movement and become WishMakers. Whether through individual donations or corporate partnerships, everyone has the power to make wishes come true.
Make-A-Wish and American have invited anyone interested in making a difference in the lives of wish kids to visit wishmaker.org and learn how to become a WishMaker.
For further information about American Airlines flights, please reach out to your Global Travel Management Account Manager.
