News

22nd March 2004

Virgin birth is airline's first

Mother's Day took on an extra special meaning for Virgin Atlantic when 28-year-old Abimbola Eduwa became the first person to give birth on one of their flights.

Mrs Eduwa was travelling to London on flight VS652 to visit relatives with her 19 month old son and had been assured by doctors that it was safe for her to travel as her unborn baby was not due for at least another month.

However, just an hour into the six hour flight from Lagos, Nigeria, Mrs Eduwa's labour began. Fortunately, there was a doctor and nurse on board the flight who helped with the safe delivery of a healthy 8lb little girl.

The flight was re-routed back to Lagos where Mrs Eduwa and her daughter were taken to the Gbagada medical centre near their home in the city before being discharged home to her husband and new dad, Chris.

Chris said "They said I should call her Virginia and I think we will. We usually pray for a name but Virginia is fine."

Speaking about her mid-air birth, Mrs Eduwa said: "The baby was not ready yet - this one came as a surprise. I was just sitting down and suddenly I realised that the head was already through."

Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson was absolutely thrilled at the birth and has offered baby Virginia free flights on the airline until she is 21. He is also considering naming one of the fleet planes 'Virgin Birth' to commemorate the event.

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