DENVER (AP) – Dozens of children cheered aboard a festively decorated plane in Denver on Saturday as the pilot announced the day’s destination: the North Pole.
More than 100 children, some with serious health issues, were then put on a 45-minute flight around the city before landing at Denver International Airport and being flown by United Airlines. The ship was towed to the North Pole in a renovated hangar by employees and volunteers. .
The plane and seats were dotted with streamers, paper snowflakes, and feathery snowy cotton tufts. Airline personnel paraded bubble-making machines up and down the aisles as excited children chanted “bubbles, bubbles, bubbles.” Holiday songs played in the background and apple snacks and juice were provided for everyone.
Before landing, children were asked to close their window shades. When the store opened, children were greeted by a waiting Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a large group of elves. The ice cream truck came and the children received presents.
Six-year-old Bryce Bosley was tickled to see everything Santa and the North Pole had to offer.
“The North Pole is fun because there are games, there’s food, and all the activities are really fun,” he said.
United Airlines Captain Bob Zimmerman, the pilot on the holiday flight, was struck by the joy and amazement of the young people.
“All year long I think about fantasy flights,” he said. “When life seems hard or I want to complain about something, I think of these kids and the joy and love and what it feels like. It keeps my life moving forward. It captures it.”
United Airlines partnered with Make-A-Wish Colorado, Girls Inc., Children’s Hospital Colorado, and the Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association to invite Denver-area children ages 3 to 10 to board the plane.
For more than 30 years, United Airlines has brought holiday cheer to children and their families with annual “Fantasy Flights” to the fictional North Pole at airports around the world.
This year’s event began in Honolulu on December 5th and has been held in 13 cities: Washington, Houston, Los Angeles, London, Chicago, San Francisco, Tokyo, Cleveland and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and the island of Guam. There was also a flight to Newark, New Jersey, on Saturday.
Jonah McGrath, vice president of operations for United’s Denver hub, has flown 29 flights so far and said it’s one of his favorite days of the year.
“They can spend the day away from some of the challenges they face in everyday life,” said McGrath, who dressed up as an elf. “Bringing a little magic and presents into the holiday season is something they will never forget.”
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Boler reported from Juneau, Alaska.
