Disadvantaged children in the UK and around the world are set to gain from a global partnership between British Airways and Comic Relief. 

The airline is aiming to raise £8bm by 2013 with the ‘Flying Start’ link-up, which was launched by actors Bill Nighy and Nick Frost at Kenyan children’s projects this week. 

They visited KICOSHEP - a community self-help project supporting orphaned children affected by HIV and AIDS - Pendekezo Letu - an organisation that assists street children escape poverty - and Pamoja Trust - which helps poor urban slum dwellers in Kenya.

An aircraft with ‘Flying Start’ emblazoned on its fuselage was unveiled to mark the beginning of the venture.

Willie Walsh, BA chief executive, said: “Our partnership will bring help and support to children through funds we raise in the air, on the ground and online.”