Ever since a devastating earthquake with a massive 7.8 magnitude shocked Turkey and Syria last Monday, the global aviation industry has been humbly uniting as one, with several carriers chartering dedicated flights to send relief and supply aid. UK-based Virgin Atlantic is the latest carrier participating in such humanitarian efforts, with the first flight taking place today, on February 14th.

A humanitarian flight leaves Heathrow Airport

If you were tracking movement from London's Heathrow Airport today, you might have noticed an unusual callsign from Virgin Atlantic - flight VS 681. The flight took off from the airport at approximately 11:48 and is expected to land at its destination at around 15:52. At this time of writing, VS 681 is currently descending to its destination.

Photo: FlightRadar24.com

However, the last time this callsign was active was a couple of years ago, in 2021, when the carrier operated the London Heathrow-Los Angeles route under the same. But the VS 681 operating right now is bound for a different destination, specifically to Adana Sakirpasa Airport, Turkey. Indeed, Virgin Atlantic was using its old callsign to operate one of the first UK humanitarian flights to the troubled country.

An 11-year-old Airbus A330-300 registered G-VINE is being utilized for this cargo-only flight, and onboard the aircraft is more than £350,000 ($427,225.75) worth of vital supplies for those in need. The manifest includes a total of 64 pallets of clothing and other essential supplies, including 31,000 coats and blankets and almost 990 kilograms of infant milk powder.

Coming together to help those in need

Once the flight lands, the shipment will be handled on the ground by AFAD, the Turkish Government's aid agency. While VS 681 is a sterling effort from Virgin Atlantic, the airline's part was donating the flight. In contrast, the other critical components resulted from a consolidated effort that took less than a week to coordinate.

Getting the essential cargo for the donated flight was a combined effort from several organizations, such as the crisis response charity Goods for Goods and medicines supplier Durban. Altogether, the humanitarian mission was led by Magen David Adom UK - the national aid society of Israel.

Flight VS 681 will also mark a continued working partnership between Virgin Atlantic and Magen David Adom UK, as the two previously worked together for Project Light last March to help 61 Ukrainian refugees arrive on British soil in the initial weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Photo:  Tomas Del Coro via Wikimedia Commons

Given how devastating the aftermath of the earthquake has continued to be, it's likely that Virgin Atlantic might conduct more humanitarian flights shortly, as Shai Weiss, Chief Executive Officer of the airline, said:

"The loss of life and scenes of destruction in Turkey and Syria following the earthquake are truly devastating. We are doing all we can to support the relief effort and are pleased to partner again with MDA UK to transport vital supplies to the region. Virgin Atlantic will continue to stand ready should further opportunities arise.”

What do you think of Virgin Atlantic doing its part in the relief efforts? Tell us in the comments below.