Airline to offer tickets for paper planes

Apr 28 2008 by Rhodri Clark, Western Mail

PAPER planes have helped generations of bored office workers while away the hours before 5pm, but now they’re getting serious.

A competition has been launched to find the best makers of paper aircraft in Wales – and the prize is a pair of tickets for a flight in the real thing.

But before employees rush to raid the stationery cupboards or photocopier trays, it is worth pointing out the competition is strictly for children aged four to 12 years.

The contest is part of the first anniversary celebrations for the air service between Anglesey and Cardiff.

The service, operated by Highland Airways, has carried 15,000 people – twice the number expected – since its launch on May 9 last year.

The plane makes two return trips per weekday but cannot fly on weekends or bank holidays, when air traffic control at RAF Valley is closed.

The Welsh Assembly Government funded construction of a civilian terminal at Valley and is providing an annual operating subsidy.

Cardiff airport is planning celebrations for the first anniversary, including a birthday cake which will be shared out to passengers at check in on May 9.

The choir of Aelwyd y Waun Ddyfal, Cardiff, will sing to passengers as they check in. Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones will then fly on the aircraft to Anglesey, his own constituency, where he will unveil a plaque to commemorate the service’s successful first year.

Anglesey council is inviting children in North and South Wales to send it their best paper planes.

Entries will be judged on their design and appearance, rather than how far they can fly.

The tickets will be for a return trip from whichever airport, Cardiff or Valley, is closest to the winner’s home.

Entries should be sent to Paper Plane Competition, Anglesey Business Centre, Llangefni LL77 7XA to arrive by 5pm on May 6. Entries will not be returned.

Log onto http://www.paperairplanes.co.uk/dragon.php to see a video of how to make the perfect paper plane