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BA displays giant poppy on jumbo jet

A giant poppy decal is being displayed on the fuselage of a British Airways Boeing 747 as a symbol of remembrance for the fallen.

The 8ft by 8ft poppy will be displayed on the aircraft as it flies to numerous destinations around the world in the centenary year of the end of the First World War.

Tom Deary, a BA engineer, sergeant in 381 Squadron and a former RAF aircraft technician, said: “It’s important that our aircraft carries the poppy as it is a national symbol of remembrance, and as a national carrier we should take pride in remembering those that have fallen in all conflicts, new or old, for our country.

“We have many colleagues that have served or are still serving in reservist or cadet forces roles and it is also a thank you to them for their hard work and dedication to the country.”

Deary is among 100 volunteers from across the airline, alongside members of the armed forces, who sell poppies at Heathrow.

Collections will take place at Heathrow Terminal 3 and 5, at arrivals and departures.

A Remembrance Wall is being displayed in Terminal 5 until Armistice Day on November 11.

All BA staff will pause ground operations and engines will be shut down to observe the two-minute silence – where possible – on November 11.

BA chairman and CEO Alex Cruz said: “We are so proud of the millions of people who represented Britain a century ago.

“Flying the poppy on our aircraft will help us carry the spirit of remembrance across the globe in their honour.”

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