Welcome to Airlink’s Media Page

Airlink, a charity focused on mobilizing the aviation industry to ensure assistance reaches communities impacted by disasters and other humanitarian crises around the world, recently added three new members to its .

New trustees Niklas Lund, president of Rockton, George Fenton, chairman and executive director of the Humanitarian Logistics Network, and Myl…

Airlink, a charity focused on mobilizing the aviation industry to ensure assistance reaches communities impacted by disasters and other humanitarian crises around the world, recently retained executive search firm  to launch the search for its next board chair.  

Once identified, the new board chair’s term will begin on January 1, 2020. Bob Brown, 's current board cha…

A four-ton shipment of medicines and supplies to treat survivors of Super Typhoon Yutu in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands arrived in Saipan this week. 

On October 25, the typhoon, reported to be the strongest storm to impact the region since 1968, struck the U.S. territory before making its way to the Philippines. In the Northern Mariana Islands, heavy rainfall and high win…

A unique partnership between nonprofits and the private sector is bringing relief to survivors of record-breaking floods in the south Indian state of Kerala. Flooding caused by monsoon rains peaking in mid-August caused 483 deaths and displaced more than a million people. Months after the initial disaster, medical infrastructure remains strained as survivors need continued treatment for injuries …

On an early September morning in South Sudan, a Boeing 737 was beginning its descent into Juba International Airport. Among the ’ cargo sat seven highly anticipated pallets containing thousands of antibiotics, antiviral and antiparasitic medications, and vitamins.

The medicines would soon be distribute…

Airlink mobilizes aviation response to deadly tsunami

Washington, DC - Disaster response nonprofit Airlink is moving responders into Palu, Indonesia in response to Friday’s 7.5 magnitude earthquake and subsequent devastating tsunami.

Airlink and its partners wasted no time in initiating emergency response efforts with more than 60,000 survivors now displaced and in need of medical assistan…

Disaster response organization Airlink, with support from five partner airlines, …

to Hurricane Florence and disasters around the globe. 

Cargo Shipment Brings Relief to Hawaiian Families

In early September, Airlink, in partnership with Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, and Flexport.org, delivered urgently needed mold remediation supplies to Hawaii in the wake of Hurricane Lane. The storm dropped more than 50 inches of rain on parts of the Hawaiian islands, causing flooding and landslides. Thankfully the storm was not as d…

Washington, DC - Disaster response nonprofit Airlink is pre-positioning responders for five of its relief organization partners ahead of Hurricane Florence.

The now Category 3 hurricane is on course to hit the United States East Coast, threatening 10 million people with life-threatening storm surge, flooding, and winds by Friday, September 14th.

“Pre-positioning lead responders provides re…

Airlink publishes Air Logistics Preparedness Guidance Note thanks to Arconic Foundation grant

WASHINGTON, DC - Disaster response nonprofit Airlink has created a comprehensive guide for humanitarian organizations sending relief cargo by air.

Airlink’s

Threatening storm prompts early action, smooth response

Washington, DC – As hurricane season churns on toward September, Hurricane Lane threw into sharp relief the capability and bandwidth of the global humanitarian response network.

“Airlink and the larger U.S. disaster response sector took proactive steps to preposition responders ahead of Hurricane Lane,” says Airlink Program Manager Ste…

Flexport and Kenya Airways join Airlink in response to complex crisis

Washington, DC - Airlink, Flexport, Kenya Airways, and International Medical Corps are responding to the complex crisis in South Sudan with medical assistance for internally displaced people (IDPs).

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World Hope International secured a team of volunteers along with 1,500 water filtration kits and solar chargers. The team spent one week in Guatemalan villages helping locals clear ash and debris left by…

Volcanic Eruptions in Guatemala.
Refugee Crisis in Bangladesh.
Flooding in the United States.
Hurricane Recovery in the Caribbean.
Complex Crisis in South Sudan.

Concerned by all the disasters happening around the world today?

Airlink, in partnership with its aviation and nonprofit partners, is working tirelessly to meet the needs of the people you see on the news - as w…

Airlink and its aviation partners are helping bring relief to refugees by supporting highly regarded and effective disaster relief organizations working in refugee camps that are communities of hundreds of thousands of people in need. Airlink provides critical and valuable logistical support for disaster responders, as well as passenger and cargo flights from its airline partners to Europe,…

SYDNEY – At the 74^th IATA AGM, the world’s leading commercial airlines commit to delivering disaster response through Airlink.

 “During a disaster, I think that’s when [airlines] really come into our own. Everybody relies on air traffic to get critical goods, critical people to these places and it has to be done quickly,” said CEO of International Airlines Group Willie Walsh. “Wha…

– your gift today will help to bring medicine, clean water kits, and capable crews to the places they’re needed most, when they’re needed most. 

June first marks the beginning of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. Forecasters are predicting an above average hurricane season for 2018. NOAA projections suggest a 70% likelihood of 10-16 named…

Airlink Governors Council Chair Peter Davies and President and CEO Steve Smith have been invited to speak onstage at the IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit. The International Air Transport Association represents 280 airlines, about 83% of total air traffic.

Hundreds of airline industry leaders will convene in Sydney for the AGM, providing Airlink and its …

Nurses Conduct Health Screenings for 9,000 Students in USVI

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President Clinton Applauds Airlink Commitments to Disaster Preparedness and Response

Airlink joins commitments to preposition relief efforts and transport school nurses for Caribbean recovery

 and other organizations for their Commitments to Action at the …

Steven J. Smith named President & CEO, Jon Sharp joins Board

WASHINGTON, DC— The Airlink Board of Trustees names Steven J. Smith President and CEO. The change reflects the organization’s operational growth and Steve’s successes as Airlink’s Executive Director since joining the team in 2013.

Airlink’s programming and impact have evolved to new levels under Steve’s leadership, delivering …

Airlink and InterAction NGO Community Announce CEO Pledge on Preventing Sexual Abuse, Exploitation and Harassment 


Senior Leaders Endorse Steps to Protect Staff and Local Communities 


WASHINGTON— Airlink joins InterAction, the largest alliance of U.S. nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working in every developing country in the world, in announcing a pledge signed by 116 members to …

Over the next few months, the Airlink team will be sharing a series of testimonials from some of our leading advocates and supporters across the aviation industry. 

The first in ourseries is ISTAT President and Deutsche Bank Managing Director, Doug Runte. 

We thank ISTAT and the ISTAT Foundation for their integral roles as the founders of Airlink in 20…

“Every building was just rubble,” recalls Airlink President & Board Chairman Robert Brown of his 2010 visit to Haiti.

Eight years ago, the 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit 15 miles from Haiti’s capital city Port-au-Prince, killing more than 100,000 people and displacing

The devastating event prompted the response of countless organizations and the…

Emirates Airline Foundation supports growing need for healthcare in swelling Rohingya refugee camps

WASHINGTON, DC – Nonprofit disaster response organization Airlink is answering the urgent need for medical workers in Rohingya refugee camps with new NGO partner Medical Teams International (MTI). Recent reports of highly contagious diphtheria, a spike in measles cases, and a lack of basic medi…

Global aviation leaders attending gala benefitting humanitarian relief charity Airlink raise more than $200,000

This fall, 250 business leaders from the aviation leasing and finance sectors came together in support of disaster relief charity Airlink. A charity dinner hosted by was held at The Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh, Scotland and raised more than $220,000 for the charity.

Flight with 31 tons of emergency supplies leaves Miami today for San Juan

As Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands continue their recovery from the devastating impacts of hurricanes Irma, Jose and Maria, international relief charity Airlink is launching a flight carrying 31 tons of relief supplies.  The flight transporting emergency cargo for five charity aid organizations will leave Miami fo…

California officials say 42 people have lost their lives as wildfires continue to rage through Northern California. More than 200,000 acres of land and thousands of structures have burned in Napa, Lake, Sonoma, Mendocino, Butte and Solano counties.

As first responders are making progress containing the fires, we have begun transporting relief workers and volunteers to impacted communities. Th…

Medical Supplies, Generators, and Support for Children Sent

As Puerto Rico continues its long road to recovery following Hurricane Maria, we have launched a plane carrying 15 tons of relief supplies to address critical needs. The Boeing 767, carrying supplies for MedShare, World Hope International and Save the Children, left Miami yesterday for San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

Medicine…

Three days of heavy rains in Sierra Leone triggered flash floods and landslides in and around the capital of Freetown on 14 August. The disaster resulted in more than 1,000 fatalities and the displacement of 10,000 people. 

With the help of discounted air transport from Brussels Airlines, Airlink supported the response of charity partners Rise Against Hunger and Waves for Water, who provided fo…

As new storm approaches, charity organizations form partnership to deliver critical aid to Caribbean communities devastated by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria                                      

As food and water shortages, lack of medical supplies, damaged infrastructure and a new hurricane plague Caribbean communities hard hit by Hurricane Irma, disaster relief c…

Special humanitarian flight carries medicine and supplies for Americares

As part of its mission to mobilize the aviation community in times of disaster, partners with charity aid organizations and airlines to move relief workers and emergency supplies into devastated communities.

Following Hurricane Irma’s recent impact in the Caribbean, Airlink aid partner Americareshas been workin…

Charity races to arrange donated air transportation for responders headed to Florida and Caribbean in hurricane’s aftermath.

As Hurricane Irma, one of the most intense storms observed in the last decade, cut a path of destruction through the Caribbean as a Category 5 storm, disaster relief organization Airlink worked quickly to position responders into place. Search and rescue teams, medical…

Hurricane Harvey, the largest storm to make landfall in Texas since 1961, has left widespread damage across 50 of the state’s counties. Continued heavy rains are causing catastrophic flooding and are expected to continue through midweek. Millions of people in the region are affected.

As part of its mission to mobilize the aviation community in times of disaster, is working with Ala…

In late July, Airlink launched a response to historic flooding in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois in partnership with Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Team Rubicon.  Airlink is a nonprofit rapid-response disaster and humanitarian relief organization that links pre-qualified nonprofits and NGOs with partner airlines for passenger and cargo transportation.

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Airlink is pleased to announce the addition of three new members of the Advisory Council – Toby Bright, Alan Cassels, and Philip Tozer-Pennington – and two new staff – Ian Rodgers and Dan Whitney - this year. These additions come as Airlink enters its eighth year in operation.

“We are honored to have these aviation and humanitarian professionals – recognized leaders in their respective disci…

Last night, Airlink honored key partner United Airlines as Airline Partner of the Year in recognition of their substantial support of Airlink and its humanitarian programs in 2016.

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As part of its expanded end-to-end air transportation solution to Hurricane Matthew, Airlink is sending its second, large charter flight - packed with medical supplies - to Haiti. The flight will be operated by Airlink partner and aid will be used to combat an increasingly dire public health epidemic in underserved areas where many people have yet to receive any inte…

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-- Cholera Remains Primary Concern in Post-Hurricane Haiti --

Washington, DC (October 18, 2016) -

**Leading Aviation Business Publication to Support Growth of Nonprofit Disaster Response Network for Airlines**

**SkyTeam Founding Member Commits to Send First Responders To Disaster Zones**

 Washington, DC (August 23, 2016) - Airlink is proud to announce a partnership with Aeromexico that will provide disaster relief airlift to responders in times of crisis.  This expansion means that Airlink’s Disaster Response Network will now include Aeromexico’s route system, including 86 destinations spanni…

from on .

This August marks the two-year anniversary of Airlink's first cargo flight to Monrovia, Liberia, which carried 15,000 pounds of medical aid to tackle Ebola. The flight kicked off an Air Bridge that, over a single year, delivered 1.3 million pounds of aid and nearly 70 healthcare workers to West Africa.

The flight and overall response would not have been possible without the generous suppor…

** Airlink coordinates major North American air carriers to support Team Rubicon’s relief and recovery efforts in Fort McMurray, Canada **

This week, residents of Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada continue to return to their homes following the wildfires that devastated the community last month. So far, the fire has destroyed more than 2,400 homes and buildings, and sparked the biggest wi…

Airlink was honored to be invited to the International Aviation Transportation Administration's 72nd Annual General Meeting on June 1-3. Executive Director, Steve Smith, was on-site, conducting interviews with some big names in aviation on what aviation can do for the humanitarian world. Watch our playlist to learn what they said.

A Raffle was held in honour of AIRLINK during the Annual Awards Gala Dinner at the 25^th Anniversary African Aviation Air Finance Africa Conference & Exhibition in Johannesburg, South Africa, from Monday, 9^th to Wednesday, 11^th May, 2016.

The raffle prizes were donated by African Aviation Services Limited (an iPad Air and Swarovski Bracelet) and Investec Bank, South Africa (Leath…

Airlink was honored to receive the Special Distinguished Service Award for contributions to the fight against the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone from the National Organization of Sierra Leoneans in North America (NOSLINA) at an event held Saturday night in Silver Spring, Maryland. Airlink accepted the award on behalf of its partners, which include 11 airlines and 37 -profit humanitarian aid o…

Airlink, in partnership with American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) and LIFT, has just coordinated its first delivery of aid to Quito, Ecuador since the earthquake hit on April 16, 2016. The shipment of vital medical aid supplies was made possible through Airlink’s partnership with Atlas Air.

“Airlink would like to recognize Atlas Air’s generosity in providing free transportation for this shipme…

Last night, Airlink was honored to receive the Humanitarian Award in the International Non-Governmental Organizations Category for contributions to the fight against the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone from the Ambassador of the Republic of Sierra Leone. Airlink accepted the award on behalf of its partners, which included 10 airlines and 37 nonprofit humanitarian aid organizations, as wel…

Yesterday,  following a 7.8 earthquake which struck Ecuador on the evening of April 16, 2016. The death toll has risen to as many as 350 people, with more than 2,500 injured, according to official estimates.

Airlink has now assisted in the transportation of five personnel, including a DART from All Hands Volunteers, and personnel from Waves for Water who w…

 Last night, Airlink honored two key partners, Etihad Airways and All Hands Volunteers, as Airline Partner of the Year and NGO Partner of the Year, respectively, in recognition of their steadfast partnership with Airlink in 2015.

“We are extremely pleased to recognize both Etihad Airways and All Hands Volunteers for their ongoing dedication and response to humanitarian crises in 2015,” …

Airlink, a disaster response organization that links airlines with pre-qualified nonprofits, will honor key partners Cathay Pacific and Etihad Airways at the Airline Economics conference in Hong Kong for their efforts to support relief efforts in Nepal following the earthquake in April of this year.

“We are pleased to recognize both Cathay Pacific and Etihad Airways for their dedication and …

Humanitarian relief organization announced today a partnership to improve disaster response as part of a . 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 service…

Airlink, a rapid-response disaster relief organization that links pre-approved non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with airlines, has partnered with nonprofit partners Afya Foundation, AmeriCares, and Samaritan’s Purse, airline partner Qatar Airways, and logistics partner LIFT to ship material aid to Kathmandu in response to the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Nepal on Ap…

United Airlines today announced that it will work with its disaster relief partners the American Red Cross, Americares, Airlink and Operation USA to provide aid to those affected by the earthquake in Nepal. Beginning today, United will provide up to a total of $50,000 to match donations to these partner organizations from United customers and employees. The airline will also provide a one-time mi…

Airlink is proud to count Brussels Airlines among its airline partners. We applaud the continued service they have provided to the West African countries affected by the Ebola epidemic, and we are grateful for the support they have shown for the Airlink program overall in 2014. We would like to share the following piece from the Air Transport World Editor's Blog, celebrating their new campaign.…

For their second annual Humanitarian Awards, Airlink  honored its partners JetBlue Airways and ChildFund International as Airline Partner of the Year and NGO Partner of the Year, respectively, in recognition of their steadfast support of Airlink in 2014. 

“We are extremely pleased to recognize both JetBlue Airways and ChildFund International for their ongoing dedication and response to humani…

The first flight for 2015 of Airlink’s Air Bridge to West Africa flew from Miami and landed in Liberia on January 12, delivering critical medical supplies comprised of personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitation supplies. These supplies will enable nineteen Liberian public hospitals that were partially or fully closed due to lack of training with proper protective supplies amidst the Ebol…

Airlink, the 24/7 disaster relief organization that links pre-qualified nonprofits with airlines for passenger and cargo transportation, completed four flights through its Air Bridge initiative to Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone in only  . In a collaborative effort that coordinated critical aid from 22 nonprofit and 7 airline partners, Airlink has facilitated shipments comprised …

Airlink, the 24/7 rapid response disaster and humanitarian relief organization, had their CGI Commitment to build an Air Bridge to West Africa featured by Chelsea Clinton onstage in the closing plenary session of the Clinton Global Initiative 2014 Annual Meeting.

“Airlink is humbled by the recognition the Air Bridge to West Africa has received through being a featured CGI Commitment.  …

AIRLINK continues to coordinate shipments of aid to combat the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. In partnership with the National Organization of Sierra Leoneans in North America and Brussels Airlines, AIRLINK was able to send nearly 5,000 pounds of medical supplies to Freetown, Sierra Leone this week.

We would like to welcome our newest member to the AIRLINK Board of Trustees, Mr. Joe Dunne, Director of Material Management Services for Boeing Commercial Aircraft Services. Joe joined Boeing Commercial Aircraft Services in October 2013. In this role, he is responsible for the development and delivery of innovative material management service solutions for Boeing commercial aircraft globally. Pri…

Airlink is pleased to announce it has qualified for tax-exempt status as a charitable organization under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). The IRS has determined that Airlink is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes; with no part of its earnings benefitting any private shareholder or individual, and that it satisfies all the statutory requirements for exempt status. Se…

A Promise to Peru, Inc. announces their return to Urubamba in the Sacred Valley of Peru. The annual cataract surgical and medical mission commences today through July 12^th, with a team of volunteers consisting of: physicians, health related professionals and support staff from across the U.S.; along with Stony Brook School of Medicine and Robert Wood Johnson medical students and SUNY optometry …

A Promise to Peru, Inc. anuncia su regreso a Urubamba en El Valle Sagrado de Perú. Hoy, un equipo de voluntarios de los EE.UU -- médicos, otros profesionales de la salud, estudiantes de medicina, optometría, farmacología, sanidad pública, y unos estudiantes universitarios -- comienza su programa anual de cirugía y medicina general. Al llegar a Urubamba, el equipo establecerá una clínica oftalmoló…

The AirAsia Group donated a total of 10 hours of flight time on the group’s Airbus A320 for up to 180 personnel and up to 8 tons of cargo to Airlink, dedicated for humanitarian efforts in Southeast Asia.
 
The flight time donation incorporates the provision of cargo space and carriage of passengers, which will be utilized to fly humanitarian aid supplies and relief workers to affected ar…

Some days just leave an indelible mark on the memory; such was the case with Super Typhoon Haiyan, which hit the Philippines on November 8, 2013. According to , an estimated 14.1 million were affected by the storm across nine regions. The human impact was great, with nearly 4.1 million people displaced at the peak of the disaster and 6,200 lives lost in total.

Behind the scenes, we closel…

Airlink announces that    have joined its Advisory Council and Board of Trustees. The three newest additions to the Advisory Council include: Bernard Gustin, CEO of Brussels Airlines; Norman Liu, President and CEO of GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS); and Ian Rodgers, Director of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Operational Preparedness and Surge Capacity at Save the …

Through the generous support of CAPA - Centre for Aviation and a of host aviation organizations in attendance at the 2014 CAPA Airlines in Transition Summit, AIRLINK raised nearly $9,000 to help support disaster response and humanitarian operations during our live and silent auctions.

In the spirit of giving, a welcomed pledge was made by AirAsia for 10 hours of flight time on an A320 to sup…

Airlink will honor Southwest Airlines and Team Rubicon with their first annual Humanitarian Awards in recognition of their continuous support of Airlink in 2013.

The presentation of the awards will take place during the Airlink session at the ISTAT Americas 2014 Conference, to be held on Monday, March 17, at the San Diego Marriott Marquees & Marina in San Diego.

“We would like to recogniz…

Paul Chester Children’s Hope Foundation (PCCHF) announces their return to the Dominican Republic early in the year. The team was comprised of 25 medical volunteers. They traveled into the country on January 23rd to perform life-changing surgeries on children and families in remote areas of Santo Domingo and the mountain town of Ocoa.

This is the second time that PCCHF has …

Airlink today announces growing corporate support from the aviation industry to support global humanitarian activity. , and have become financial benefactors. 

“We are truly honored to welcome these three new companies as sponsors of our organization,” commented Steve Smith, Executive Director of Airlink. “As an independent non-profit, we inte…

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster last week announced a new strategic partnership with Airlink, an organization that facilitates low-cost or no cost air transportation to support humanitarian aid.

James R. McGowan – Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives – made the announcement Oct. 24 during National VOAD’s 2013 Fall Members’ Meeting. The meeting provided a forum for Nati…

Airlink is pleased to announce that a total of three new members have joined its Advisory Council.  These new additions include: Tewolde Gebremariam, Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Airlines; Emily Sperling, President, ShelterBox USA, Inc; and William McNulty, Co-Founder, Team Rubicon.

“The addition of three new Advisory Council members is a testament to the growing awareness for …

In an effort to help raise awareness of its support of the delivery of humanitarian aid throughout the world with key potential airline partners, Airlink is pleased to have been selected as the sole charity partner of the taking place in Dublin, Ireland, April 11-12, 2013.  Airlink will also exhibit at the Summit and will present to attendees on the first…

During its 2013 Annual Conference and Humanitarian Awards, international disaster relief organization, presented Airlink with a Nonprofit Partner Award.

, a humanitarian initiative that matches the cargo and passenger travel needs of organizations responding to disasters or other humanitarian crises with airlines that can provide transportation for free or at an extrem…

Because it has helped provide relief in such highly publicized catastrophic events as the tsunami in Japan and earthquake in Haiti, AIRLINK is primarily recognized for its work in disaster relief.  However, some of AIRLINK’s most important work is completed when there’s no disaster at all in service of ongoing humanitarian needs.

“While disaster relief is a key component of the AIRLINK program,…

To help execute their charitable giving programs, airlines are increasingly turning to AIRLINK’s innovative, free web-based matching service to connect with non-governmental charitable organizations (NGOs).

 “Corporate social responsibility programs are evolving at the airlines,” said Bob Brown, CEO of AIRLINK.  “In addition to sponsorships and direct monetary …

Throughout the Horn of Africa, in Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya, over 13 million people are currently at risk of severe malnutrition or starvation as the region faces the worst drought conditions in 60 years. This slow moving humanitarian disaster dwarfs most others and yet ha…

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