The event, with headline sponsor Mitie, saw 14 teams on static bikes race a BHX live departure to Cancun, with the winner being Tara Group who topped the leaderboard with over 300 miles cycled out of the total 4,800 mile distance.  

The teams consisted of BHX colleagues, third party suppliers and on-site partners, all showing tremendous support to the charity. 

Saqib Bhatti MP for Meriden and Solihull East, Russell Handley, sales director at Mitie and Richard Gill, commercial director of BHX started the race with the teams ready to beat the plane. 

Richard Gill, commercial director of Birmingham Airport, said: “It was a delight to start the race where 14 teams took part from across our community to raise money for our nominated charity, Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.  

“To see the donations coming in, so far totalling £80k, shows the support from the region for this fantastic cause.   

“The day, although long and at times strenuous for the riders, was fun filled and jampacked with music and activities throughout the day to ensure the cyclists were pedalling full pelt to reach the target.  

“It was a truly great day that boosted our partnership total with the charity, that is now in its second year and takes us to a total of just under £200,000 in fundraising.” 

Saqib Bhatti said: “It was a pleasure to kick off the Race the Plane event at Birmingham Airport, where teams from across the business community came together for a truly unique challenge, racing a TUI aircraft all the way to Cancun.  

“It was fantastic to see such energy and enthusiasm for a great cause, with every donation giving cyclists an extra boost along the way.

“Most importantly, the event raised vital funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, making a real difference to young patients and their families.  

“It’s a brilliant and imaginative initiative, and a testament to what can be achieved when people come together in support of charity.” 

Helen Miles, head of partnerships at Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity, added: “Our partnership with BHX is truly special.

“Never in our wildest dreams did we think it’d be possible to race a live departure from Birmingham to Mexico – but the airport showed when passion and creativity come together, the sky really is the limit.  

 “To see so many people pushing themselves out of their comfort zones to support our sick kids was incredibly inspiring.

“The atmosphere was electric and we’re very thankful to everyone who took part and helped to raise over a phenomenal £80,000. This money will have a transformational impact inside our hospital.” 

For more detail BHX’s corporate partnership with Birmingham Children’s Hospital charity please visit the website.