Father Christmas’ Flight Before Christmas landing at Cotswold Airport this festive season.

Tickets to board the world's-first grotto experience onboard a jumbo jet go on sale on Saturday, 17th September 2022.

From 25 November - 24 December 2022, a former British Airways Boeing 747 will be transformed into a winter wonderland, allowing families to meet and greet Father Christmas and his elves on board the preserved aircraft.

The magical experience begins as guests, armed with their very own boarding passes and customised ‘North Pole Passports’, will pass through the naughty or nice security check-in, and are then seated in Premium Economy for an in-flight elf-and-safety briefing hosted by Peppermint, the mischievous Head Elf. 

Guests make their way through the festively decorated aircraft, complete with snow, real Christmas trees and a Northern Lights inspired light display, before meeting Father Christmas in his office for photo opportunities and a group story in front of the fire. Children will leave with a book and a packet of reindeer food.

As guests disembark the aircraft, they will meet Mrs Claus in a full-size Gingerbread House where they can decorate their own gingerbread to take home. 

Finally, they will pass the elves who are hard at work in the Toy Factory, assembling presents. Each child will have the chance to pick a teddy bear, build it and take it home. Adults will receive a mince pie and hot mulled wine.

There will be a special, early bird discount for those wishing to guarantee their seat on this world-first experience. From 10am on Saturday, 17th September to 10am on Monday, 19th September 2022, tickets are priced at £15 per adult, £22.50 per child and free for babies in arms. After this point, tickets are £20 per adult and £35 per child. There will be an option to pay over two instalments if tickets are purchased before Friday, 30th September.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.theflightbeforechristmas.com

This is the first of many events Cotswold Airport will be collaborating on with the Swindon-based Event Entertainment specialists Odin Events over the next three years.

Suzannah Harvey, CEO of Cotswold Airport said:

“We’re thrilled Father Christmas will be visiting us this Christmas on Negus 747 at Cotswold Airport.

“It’s the first time he’s been on a 747 and we hope he enjoys the upgrade from his usual sleigh.

“Father Christmas has plenty of special and exciting things planned on Negus 747, and we look forward to welcoming all the families and children for this truly unique Grotto experience“.

Bethyn Barrass, Director of Odin Events said: 

“As Event Entertainment specialists, at Odin, we love creating show-stopping experiences. This is a truly unique festive experience that the whole family will enjoy. 

“It’s a great way to kick off our three-year partnership with Cotswold Airport”.