Virgin Atlantic has teamed up with Change Please, an award-winning social enterprise that trains and employs people experiencing homelessness, to create a bespoke coffee blend that will be served on all Virgin Atlantic flights from this fall. The blend has been specifically developed to perform well at altitude and will also be offered in Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses.
Change Please delivers training and employment opportunities to people affected by homelessness across the United Kingdom, operating social enterprises where trainees learn barista skills and customer service. The coffee itself is sourced from farms that invest in their local communities, ensuring both ethical sourcing and traceability.
“At Virgin Atlantic, we’re known for offering a distinctive onboard experience, and we’re delighted to raise the bar again. Partnering with Change Please lets us bring elevated coffee culture to the skies and provide our customers with the best possible cup at altitude. This collaboration enhances the customer experience while making a meaningful difference in local communities — it’s a win-win, and customers are going to love it,” said Daniel Kerzner, vice president, customer experience, Virgin Atlantic.
“Homelessness is at record levels and many people want to help but aren’t sure how to start. I can’t imagine a better partnership than this one with Virgin Atlantic, delivering outstanding coffee on board while supporting people into stable work. Passengers can enjoy award-winning coffee confident that their cup is helping to change the lives of people experiencing homelessness across the UK — and soon in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco,” added Cemal Ezel, founder of Change Please.