Initiative Part Of A Clinton Global Initiative

Humanitarian relief organization Airlink have announced a partnership to improve disaster response as part of a Clinton Global Initiative Commitment to Action. The commitment titled “Help is on the Way” aims to build a global disaster response network of airlines, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other donors dedicated to improving the process through which disaster response services are provided.

To ensure a rapid response, aid organizations frequently fly supplies and personnel to impacted areas following disasters and during humanitarian crises. Damaged infrastructure, competition for limited flights, and the remoteness of the communities impacted can make disaster-related transportation difficult to navigate and costly for the charities responding.

Airlink, a nonprofit organization working with global aviation businesses to coordinate donated or reduced-rate air transport for qualified aid organizations, is leading the partnership. “Through this partnership, the time between disaster onset and the delivery of critical supplies and relief workers will be reduced, thus ensuring survivors receive the assistance they need regardless of their location,” said Steven J. Smith, Airlink executive director.

When fully funded and implemented over the next three years, the partnership will result in $3M in donated airlift services. Donated transportation means NGOs can apply more of their resources to providing food, access to clean water, shelter, medical aid and other essential assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable beneficiaries.

NGOs agreeing to utilize the partnership during crises include Afya Foundation, AmeriCares, ChildFund International, Last Mile Health, Project Concern International, Team Rubicon Global and Save the Children.

"When disaster strikes, children are always the most vulnerable, and they have no time to lose," said Carolyn Miles, President & CEO of Save the Children. "Too often, a lack of transportation can cause critical delays, or the associated costs can take away from the programs on the ground.  Save the Children is very grateful to Airlink for their partnership, which will help ensure our rapid response teams can provide lifesaving care and supplies to children and families during emergencies, anywhere in the world."

Recognizing the important role of aviation in disaster response, airline companies are lending their expertise and capacity to the initiative. Airlines participating in the partnership with the anticipation of offering donated services include Alaska Airlines, JetBlue Airways and Brussels Airlines.

Airlines, like other companies, must be socially responsible and go beyond simply flying people and cargo from point-to-point,” said Bernard Gustin, CEO of Brussels Airlines. “Bringing people together is our credo, not only to meet each other in times of celebration, but also to bring solutions and support in case of need.”

Corporate and foundation supporters of the commitment include Airbnb, Box.org, The Greenbaum Foundation and The Salesforce Foundation. Logistics partners include American Logistics Aid Network and LIFT.

Additional financial contributions are being sought to help the partnership provide flights when airlines are unable to donate their services due to lack of capacity and other restrictions.

FMI: www.airlinkflight.org