Southwest Airlines® has joined forces with nonprofit humanitarian organization Airlink to help bring assistance to communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters.
As part of its mission to mobilize the aviation industry in times of crisis, Airlink partners with airlines to move relief workers and emergency supplies from non-profit partners into affected communities.
Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) committed 50 roundtrip tickets to Airlink for responders and is providing airlift for emergency supplies through its Southwest Cargo division.
“Southwest Airlines’ support is crucial as we help communities battling COVID-19 in the United States,” said Steven J. Smith, President and CEO of Airlink. “With their help, responders will quickly reach vulnerable beneficiaries and communities will be provided the assistance they need.”
Southwest Airlines recently transportednine medical volunteers from Airlink partner International Medical Corps (IMC) to assist health systems in New York overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases. Providing surge capacity to hospitals and running emergency field units are among the activities carried out with support from Airlink and Southwest Airlines.
The airline also transported personal protective equipment which will be distributed this week by Partnership for Humanity members to more than 2,000 healthcare workers in Maryland and Washington, D.C.
“We’re putting our heart in action by providing essential air travel to transport critical relief workers and life-saving supplies,” said Laura Nieto, director of community outreach at Southwest Airlines. “Southwest remains committed to helping communities thrive by partnering with organizations like Airlink to ensure medical personnel, services, and products are available where they’re needed most during this crisis.”
Through Airlink, more than 130 aid organizations are able to quickly and efficiently provide medical aid, food, access to clean water, shelter, and other assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable beneficiaries.
Due to continued need and requests from partners to transport additional emergency supplies, Airlink is raising funds to support future flights and operations. Follow Airlink’s response to COVID-19.
