Amadeus and Airlink: Harnessing the power of partnership to meet the growing global demand for humanitarian aid transport
At Airlink, we say the first step in disaster response is getting there
Airlink was founded with a simple but powerful mission: to connect aviation with humanitarian relief in times of crisis
An idea took flight in the aftermath of the tragic 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on 12th January 2010, with over 300,000 lives lost and displacing more than a million people. The scale of the disaster was unprecedented, and while aid poured in from around the world, getting it to those in need proved to be a monumental challenge. In response, nonprofit Airlink was born out of the ISTAT Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the International Society for Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT), which continues to be a valued partner today.
In our very first mission, we leaned on the power of partnership within the aviation community to mobilize a network of commercial and private aviation partners to transport over 2,000 doctors and nurses and more than 40 shipments of aid, totaling over 225,000 kgs, directly into the heart of the disaster zone. As Airlink’s first response it would successfully lay the foundation for a new approach to disaster relief—one that would leverage the power of aviation and partnerships to bridge the gap between humanitarian needs and critical assistance.
Nearly 15 years later, I’m proud to say that Airlink has delivered lifesaving and life-sustaining aid to over 60 million people worldwide, all while maintaining that same partnership-driven approach that has been central to our mission from the start.
Airlink and Amadeus share a united vision for a better future, where no one is left behind and every community receives the support it needs to thrive
It is, therefore, a privilege to witness the continued growth of our network of supporters from across the travel community; the industry is testament to what can be achieved when we unite for the common purpose of helping others. We are delighted that Amadeus is the latest partner backing our mission this year. And, I am equally proud to share that Airlink has joined Amadeus as a partner in its Community Impact Program.
Amadeus' steadfast commitment to support local communities, and its vision of “travel as a force for good” aligns closely with Airlink’s mission of delivering the “right aid to the right place, at the right time.”
With Amadeus’ continued collaboration as an Airlink partner, our abilities and resources expand to meet the logistical and funding challenges to respond effectively to both immediate disasters and long-term, underfunded crises. We look forward to the impactful opportunities ahead where we can find new initiatives that, together, will help us tackle the growing challenges of humanitarian needs.
Humanitarian needs are expanding, driven by the rise in protracted crises and the growing demand for health-specific assistance
Throughout 2024, nearly 300 million people worldwide required humanitarian assistance – a figure that is increasing every year. Disasters are becoming more frequent, intense, and costly, and a key challenge for Airlink is securing funding for transport to overlooked and underfunded emergencies. Currently, Airlink is helping nonprofit partners respond to some of the world’s most urgent crises. These crises often occur in complex environments where commercial airspace is closed or limited, further complicating aid delivery. To overcome these obstacles, Airlink relies on a mix of creative solutions and partnerships, while leveraging in-kind support from sponsors like Amadeus who help us maintain a steady flow of aid where it’s most needed through its ongoing commitments.
Much of that most-needed aid is medical. Around 64% of the aid Airlink sent this year was health-specific, including pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and equipment, while 92% of our shipments supported health interventions. This aid was critical in addressing health emergencies, providing fortified food for populations facing famine or severe food insecurity, and supplying clean water and hygiene materials to prevent deadly disease outbreaks like cholera.
Clean water, medical supplies, and high-nutrition food form the backbone of a health-centered humanitarian response, saving countless lives.
Beyond immediate relief: Why unrestricted donations matter
Unrestricted donations from sponsors like Amadeus are critical to the success and effectiveness of Airlink's mission. Humanitarian crises are not just short-term challenges; they are complex, ongoing struggles that require innovative solutions. This kind of financial support ensures that we have the capacity to not only address immediate needs, but also to continue assisting communities as they rebuild, recover, and heal for years—especially if complications arise unexpectedly.
Amadeus’ donation allows Airlink to also plan and prepare for the next crisis before it happens. We are able to invest in our infrastructure, expand our networks, and develop the innovative solutions needed to respond faster and more effectively. Airlink is positioned as a logistics expert and transportation leader; and with trust and support from Amadeus, we can effectively implement its generous donation in ways that will maximize the benefit of others. This proactive approach is essential in helping us stay ahead of the growing challenges faced by humanitarian organizations worldwide as we look toward 2025 and beyond.
We are deeply grateful for Amadeus' commitment, and we're excited for the impactful opportunities ahead. If you believe in the power of long-term partnerships to make a difference, we invite you to join us in our mission. Together, we can ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most—when they need it most.
To learn more about how you can support Airlink’s efforts or explore partnership opportunities, visitairlinkflight.org
orcontact us today
.
Thank you, Amadeus, for coming on board with us—and thank you to all our partners who help us support communities in crisis worldwide. We couldn’t do what we do without you.
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