Stories from the Field

From across the US and around the world, we’re sharing stories of successful partnerships that have helped deliver aid to communities in crisis. 

The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season is here, and it's already showing signs of activity with a tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico forming into the first named storm of the season, Tropical Storm Arlene. At Airlink, we have a wealth of experience in effectively responding to major hurricanes. As the season unfolds, we are standing by to provide essential transport and logistics support for our NGO partners.
Navigating the Path of Continual Recovery: The Urgency of Long-Term Hurricane Recovery
June 2, 2023
In early May 2023, Airlink coordinated a shipment of prenatal vitamins from Miami to Santo Domingo to benefit 3,000 expectant mothers. This marks another collaboration between Avianca Cargo, Project HOPE, and MAP International to provide crucial medicines and healthcare supplies in the Dominican Republic.
Sustainably Resourcing Communities in the Dominican Republic with Avianca Cargo and Project HOPE
May 24, 2023
“At 7.8 on the Richter scale, some of the buildings came down in six seconds. At 4:17 a.m., while people were asleep in their beds, the first earthquake lasted for 90 seconds.” Of all the things I saw, heard, and felt on my recent visit to Kahramanmaraş, those words impacted me the most...
On the Ground in Türkiye: By Steve Smith
May 4, 2023
This month, Airlink is highlighting the work of three nonprofit partners based in the U.S. that support countries and communities in both Asia and the Pacific Islands. 
Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May 3, 2023
Cyclone Gabrielle was the worst storm and most significant weather event to affect New Zealand this century. Over 10,000 people were displaced from their homes. To get Greyshirts in the air and on the ground as quickly as possible, Airlink’s aviation partner Air Canada generously donated 19 tickets to Airlink to support two waves of volunteers to reach Hawke’s Bay, one of the regions most severely hit by the storm.
Paying it Forward: Cyclone Gabrielle Recovery is a Team Effort Spanning Continents
April 20, 2023
The latest news from Airlink regarding our current worldwide responses on behalf of our NGO partners.
April Partner Update
April 14, 2023
The 2022 monsoon season in Pakistan led to the deadliest floods in the country since 2010. Six months onwards, over 10 million people are without access to safe drinking water. Airlink continues to respond on behalf of our NGO partners.
Six Months After Pakistan Floods: WASH Concerns Loom Large
March 28, 2023
Airlink staff Jenny Torner, Humanitarian Programs Manager for Asia & the Pacific, and Claire Leow, Regional Representative for Asia & the Pacific, attended the Asia & the Pacific Regional Humanitarian Partnership Week hosted by ICVA, ADRRN, CWSA, and UNOCHA in Bangkok, Thailand. 
Reflections from Asia & the Pacific Regional Humanitarian Partnership Week
March 1, 2023
The latest news from Airlink regarding our current worldwide responses on behalf of our NGO partners.
February Partner Update
February 16, 2023
The latest news from Airlink regarding our current worldwide responses on behalf of our NGO partners.
December Partner Update
January 3, 2023
Here's why volunteering matters to the IsraAID team and how flight support makes it possible for them to assist communities impacted by Hurricane Ian.
Compassion Beyond Borders: Airlink and United Get IsraAID to Florida to Lend a Helping Hand
December 6, 2022
This discussion explores how Airlink teamed up with USA for UNHCR, Flexport, and Bearpaw to make one of Airlink's largest shipments of aid to Ukraine possible.
An Inside Look: Overcoming the Challenges of Moving 100,000 Pairs of Winter Boots to Ukraine
November 30, 2022
The latest news from Airlink regarding our current worldwide responses on behalf of our NGO partners.
November Partner Update
November 14, 2022
Karen Walker, Aviation Week Network Group Air Transport Editor-in-Chief, interviews Airlink’s President & CEO, Steve Smith, to learn how we link airline resources to humanitarian organizations in crises worldwide.
Steve Smith Featured on Aviation Week’s Window Seat Podcast
November 10, 2022
With your support Airlink has provided flights to Florida for over 50 volunteers and counting for our nonprofit partner, Operation BBQ Relief.
Hurricane Ian Recovery: Onsite with Operation BBQ Relief in Port Charlotte, Florida
October 21, 2022
The latest news from Airlink regarding our current worldwide responses on behalf of our NGO partners.
September Partner Update
September 2, 2022
This week Steve Smith is joined by Ted Honcharik the Founder and Board Chair of Fuel Relief Fund to discuss their work in Ukraine and the challenges of providing fuel aid when most people don't understand the need.
FLIGHTPATH S3 Ep.3: Ted Honcharik Founder of Fuel Relief Fund
August 10, 2022
This week Steve Smith is joined by Toby Wicks the CEO of UK based nonprofit RE:ACT to discuss how to grow a response organization while responding over a sustained period, the unique challenges of Ukraine and how to plot a path for the future.
FLIGHTPATH S3 Ep.2: Toby Wicks, CEO of RE:ACT
July 8, 2022
In the first episode of a new series for Airlink, Director of Development Sandra Walter is joined by Kathy Bequary of NYC Medics to discuss their latest project in Yemen.
Donor Dialogues Ep.1: Kathy Bequary on NYCMedics’ Prehospital Care System in Yemen
July 5, 2022
According to UNICEF and UNHCR, children make up half of all refugees from the war in Ukraine. At the beginning of May, Lizzy Kniffin (Airlink) and Abril Páez (CADENA) discussed how nonprofit organization, CADENA International, is supporting children, refugees, and IDPs at the Poland-Ukraine border.
On the Ground with CADENA International at the Poland-Ukraine Border
June 30, 2022
Airlink’s World Refugee Day webinar explores the work of NGO partners CADENA, Global Disaster Response and Humanitarian Action, Global Response Management, and Medical Teams International in supporting refugees and internally displaced populations around the world.
Honoring World Refugee Day 2022: Airlink Presents Annual Webinar Exploring the Work of NGO Partners
June 20, 2022
The latest news from Airlink regarding our current worldwide responses on behalf of our NGO partners.
June Partner Update
June 6, 2022
As the 2022 season starts, numerous communities are still rebuilding their lives from past hurricanes. Here's what forecasters are saying and how you can best help ahead of the first major hurricane.
Hurricane Preparedness Amidst Continual Recovery: June 1st Marks the Start of the Seventh Above-Average Predicted Hurricane Season
June 1, 2022
This week Steve Smith is joined by Dr. Douglas Jackson the CEO of Project C.U.R.E. to discuss models for responding to the refugee crisis in Ukraine and how the humanitarian community is tackling the various challenges in supporting Ukrainian refugees and displaced people.
FLIGHTPATH S3 Ep.1: Dr. Douglas Jackson of Project C.U.R.E. on his organization’s Ukraine response
May 25, 2022
The latest news from Airlink regarding our current worldwide responses on behalf of our NGO partners.
May Partner Update
May 16, 2022
Thanks to your support, medical personnel are continuing to travel to Ukraine and its neighboring countries to provide assistance to refugees. Here are four of their individual stories of impact from two doctors and two nurses working with Airlink’s nonprofit partner, IsraAID.
On the Ground in Moldova: Doctors and Nurses of IsraAID’s Medical Team Share Their Experiences
May 13, 2022
The latest news from Airlink regarding our current worldwide responses on behalf of our NGO partners.
April Partner Update
April 10, 2022
At the end of 2021, Airlink supported flights for a team of pilots from GlobalMedic's RescUAV Program to fly to Mozambique to support a study hosted by World Food Programme Mozambique, and funded by the European Union, on using drones and artificial intelligence to speed up search and rescue operations after a disaster.
Guest Blog: The role of drones in disaster response – insights from GlobalMedic’s RescUAV Program
January 24, 2022
For Catch Airlink's President and CEO, Steve Smith, being interviewed for the podcast Cargo Masterminds by STAT Media Group Editor Reji John.
Find out what Airlink does when disasters – natural and man-made – strike anywhere in the world
January 12, 2022
A critical need that is often overlooked in the chaos of natural disasters is the need for childcare. We invite new partner Project:Camp to write about their unique mission and our recent collaboration.
Guest Blog: Project:Camp Provides Relief for Children Displaced by California Fires
October 4, 2021
Supply chain activities account for 60-80% of all humanitarian funding spent - although you’ll find very few if any funding streams supporting disaster response transport and logistics.
When Responding to Disasters Cash is King and Cool Heads Top Big Hearts
September 13, 2021
The decision to act in response to a disaster is far from simple or straightforward. It is always a combination of head and heart.
Events in Afghanistan and Deciding When to Act
August 19, 2021
Nearly 9,000 miles from India, two sisters Naomi (13) and Sadie (11), spring to action to make an impact
California Sisters Fundraise Over $2,000 on Behalf of Airlink to Airlift COVID-19 PPE to India
July 22, 2021
Here are the places to watch around the world and how Airlink is helping.
COVID-19 Surges Around the World
June 30, 2021
Airlink Hosted a Panel Discussion on the Challenges of Serving Refugee Populations Across Different Regions
World Refugee Day 2021: Supporting Those Most Vulnerable to Disasters
June 23, 2021
Bethany Painting AHAH 5
Airlink Prepares for Another Record-Breaking Atlantic Hurricane Season
June 1, 2021
Last Mile Challenges
Strengthening Healthcare Systems and Last Mile Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa
May 21, 2021
AHAH School Building
Committed to Long-Term Recovery: Rebuilding Schools in Mexico with All Hands and Hearts
April 27, 2021
World Water Day: What Water Means to People Affected By Disasters
World Water Day: What Water Means to People Affected By Disasters
March 21, 2021
International Women’s Day 2021: Taking Action for Equality in the DRC
International Women’s Day 2021: Taking Action for Equality in the DRC
March 8, 2021
Congolese doctor reviewing case at a women's health center in the DRC.
The Central Role of Women in Disaster Response
March 8, 2021
Insight: Airlink Survey Highlights NGO Capacity to Support Global COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout March 1, 2020
Insight: Airlink Survey Highlights NGO Capacity to Support Global COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout
March 1, 2021
All Hands And Hearts DM12 LA Covid response
How To Manage Responder Deployment In A Pandemic: All Hands and Hearts DM12 Model Sets New Standard
February 19, 2021
In West Africa, Investments in Lab Capacity Pay Dividends in COVID-19 Response
In West Africa, Investments in Lab Capacity Pay Dividends in COVID-19 Response
January 31, 2021
Powering and Empowering Healthcare Systems in Uganda
Powering and Empowering Healthcare Systems in Uganda
January 29, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccines: Challenges and Opportunities for Africa and the Developing World
COVID-19 Vaccines: Challenges and Opportunities for Africa and the Developing World
January 27, 2021
Making Waves: Delivering WASH to Communities in Central America in the Aftermath of Hurricanes Eta and Iota
Making Waves: Delivering WASH to Communities in Central America in the Aftermath of Hurricanes Eta and Iota
December 28, 2020
Philanthropy experts discuss ingredients of successful partnerships
Philanthropy experts discuss ingredients of successful partnerships
December 21, 2020
How Your Frequent Flyer Miles Make a Difference in Emergencies
How Your Frequent Flyer Miles Make a Difference in Emergencies
December 18, 2020
MASERU, LESOTHO - FEBRUARY 5, 2018: Nurse Mahali Lethetsa and Mabatloung Mofolo, hospital administrator.
More than a Pandemic: Lessons Learned from Responding in the Context of COVID-19
December 4, 2020
Navajo Nation Combats Spread of COVID-19 with Lasting Clean Water Solutions
Navajo Nation Combats Spread of COVID-19 with Lasting Clean Water Solutions
September 18, 2020
COVID-19 Shines Spotlight on Oxygen Supply Challenges In Low and Middle-Income Countries
COVID-19 Shines Spotlight on Oxygen Supply Challenges In Low and Middle-Income Countries
September 18, 2020
The Power of Collaboration and Technology When You Can’t Plan Ahead
The Power of Collaboration and Technology When You Can’t Plan Ahead
November 19, 2019
Stories from the Field: Disaster Arborist Response Team Clears Way for Recovery in the Bahamas
Stories from the Field: Disaster Arborist Response Team Clears Way for Recovery in the Bahamas
October 25, 2019
Stories from the Field: In the Face of Tragedy, They Turned to Helping Neighbors
Stories from the Field: In the Face of Tragedy, They Turned to Helping Neighbors
October 2, 2019
Stories from the Field: Restoring Connectivity for Disaster Survivors and Responders
Stories from the Field: Restoring Connectivity for Disaster Survivors and Responders
September 25, 2019
Airlink and United Airlines Partnership Brings Critical Supplies, Relief Teams to The Bahamas
Airlink and United Airlines Partnership Brings Critical Supplies, Relief Teams to The Bahamas
September 17, 2019
From a Sprint to a Marathon: Helping Communities Recover from Hurricane Dorian
From a Sprint to a Marathon: Helping Communities Recover from Hurricane Dorian
September 16, 2019
A nurse in the DRC talking with a Congolese medical worker in a health center.
Democratic Republic of the Congo: More than the Sum of its Traumas
August 21, 2019
Women waiting for aid in Mozambique after Cyclone Idai
World Humanitarian Day I: Remembering the Unsung Heroes
August 19, 2019
Chef José Andrés and World Central Kitchen Partner to Feed Cyclone Idai Survivors
Chef José Andrés and World Central Kitchen Partner to Feed Cyclone Idai Survivors
April 11, 2019
Stories from the Field: Mozambique - Resilient, Determined and Generous
Stories from the Field: Mozambique – Resilient, Determined and Generous
April 11, 2019
Stories from the Field: Collaboration in Action in Mozambique
Stories from the Field: Collaboration in Action in Mozambique
April 8, 2019