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British Airways sets new Guinness World Record

There was some funny business high above the UK on Saturday 12 March, with 180 people joining the Smile High Club for Comic Relief.

British Airways and comedians Dara O’Briain, Jack Whitehall and Jon Richardson (pictured above) set a new Guinness World Record for the highest stand-up comedy gig for the legendary charity, raising £100,000 for Red Nose Day.

It was all part of Flying Start, the airline’s partnership with Comic Relief.

Said British Airways Captain Brian Connolly: “It was an honour to captain this very special flight today. I’m proud to be able to say that I’m a Guinness World Record holder, and of course a member of the Smile High Club!”

The comedians performed for 45 minutes at 35,000ft to a crowd of 180 guests and prize winners, setting the new record. The gig was hosted on flight BA9230c, flying over the UK for two-and-a-half hours on a dedicated British Airways A321 aircraft departing from London Heathrow Terminal 5.

The crowd was kept in high spirits as well as high altitude thanks to the enthusiasm of the performers. Whitehall joked that he “was looking forward to today – after all it’s the only gig where people can’t walk out. If you want to heckle you’ll have to press the call button.”

Since BA launched its partnership with Comic Relief in June 2010, the airline has raised more than £700,000. Flying Start aims to transform the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged children in the UK and around the world.

Red Nose Day takes place on Friday 18 March; the public of Great Britain will be once again asked to Do Something Funny for Money.

This news story was written by DialExpotel for Expotel, the UK’s leading hotel, travel and venue booking agency. To find out more about British Airways call Expotel’s travel team on 0844 793 7300

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