“The generous pledge and sponsorship from SMBC Aviation Capital comes at a pivotal time in Airlink’s response as we work to deliver our cargo pipeline, now at 1300+ tons, to ensure the right aid can reach more people in Türkiye and Syria. It is an honor to welcome SMBC Aviation Capital, a respected industry leader, on board and we are grateful for their support.”
— Airlink President and CEO, Steve Smith
SMBC Aviation Capital Pledges $100,000 USD to Airlink to Support Türkiye-Syria Earthquake Response
SMBC Aviation Capital, the world’s second-largest aircraft lessor, announced today a $100,000 USD pledge to Airlink, to aid in the provision of humanitarian assistance to survivors of the Türkiye and Syria earthquakes.
WASHINGTON D.C. (March 3, 2023) – SMBC Aviation Capital will become a “Platinum Level” sponsor of Airlink, which uses cash donations from aviation and non-aviation businesses, and in-kind gifts of seats and cargo space from airlines to transport expert responders and humanitarian aid free of charge for a global network of over 150 humanitarian relief nonprofit organizations.
David Swan, Chief Operations & Sustainability Officer at SMBC Aviation Capital said, “SMBC Aviation Capital offers our sincere sympathies to everyone affected by the tragic earthquake in Türkiye and Syria. As a company, we are fortunate to be in a position to financially support the humanitarian and recovery efforts through a newly formed partnership with Airlink. Due to its close relationship with the ISTAT Foundation and knowing Airlink since its creation, we are confident that the organisation is well placed to ensure our donation is used in the best way- harnessing the power of the aviation and aerospace sector to work with NGOs on the ground to meet all humanitarian needs.”
Airlink launched a humanitarian response immediately after the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Türkiye-Syria border on 6 February, 2023 that has been followed by additional earthquakes and aftershocks. To date, Airlink has worked with its aviation industry and NGO partners to deliver over 250 tons of relief supplies including shelter, winterization items, sanitation, hygiene, and medical supplies. This is in addition to providing free flights for 135 humanitarian personnel including search and rescue teams within the first 24 hours of the earthquake.
“We are seeing that the identified humanitarian needs are only continuing to grow and change to keep pace to support the millions of lives impacted by one of the deadliest quakes in recent history,” said Steven J. Smith, Airlink President and CEO. “The generous pledge and sponsorship from SMBC Aviation Capital comes at a pivotal time in Airlink’s response as we work to deliver our cargo pipeline, now at 1300+ tons, to ensure the right aid can reach more people in Türkiye and Syria. It is an honor to welcome SMBC Aviation Capital, a respected industry leader, on board and we are grateful for their support.”
Airlink is helping its NGO network meet both immediate response and long-term recovery needs in the region, which are extensive and will last years to come. The destruction in Türkiye and Syria has emphasized the importance of rebuilding efforts and the effectiveness of cash assistance. To join SMBC Aviation Capital in supporting communities in crisis, or to learn more about Airlink’s response, please visit Airlink’s response page.
