A children’s favourite, Paddington Bear, recently took to the skies from Gatwick on all British Airways long haul flights when, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the world’s favourite bear, the airline launched its new in-flight Skyflyers’ pack for children on all British Airways’ long haul flights.

Young ‘Skyflyers’ travelling on British Airways from Malta to any long haul destination through Gatwick will also receive Paddington Bear in-flight Skyflyers’ activity packs. Passengers departing from Malta can now benefit from a new British Airways long-haul route connecting Gatwick to New York, ensuring that New York-bound BA passengers can connect directly through Gatwick without needing to transit to Heathrow terminal.

The activity bag, which has been designed to look like Paddington’s famous and well-travelled suitcase, will be available for children between the ages of three and five. As an extra treat, the in-flight entertainment system will also be showing Paddington Bear™ programmes and children will be able to print off colouring sheets and luggage labels from ba.com before they travel.

Members of the British Airways Kids’ Council – a group of children who advise BA on all things to do with their age group - have also helped design a neoprene pencil case for children between the ages of six and 12. The pack contains a magazine filled with features, puzzles and interesting facts from around the world, and comes with a multi-colour pen and a pack of playing cards. On the return flight, older children will also be offered a stylish frosted plastic case, which like the outbound gift can be re-used as a wash bag or pencil case for school.