WASHINGTON — 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 shipment of life-saving medical supplies from Miami to Quito, and thank its long-time logistics partners, ALAN and LIFT, for their support in making this first shipment possible,” said Steven Smith, Executive Director of Airlink. “This is just the first in a number of shipments we’re coordinating with ALAN, LIFT and our nonprofit partners in order to alleviate humanitarian needs in Ecuador over the coming days and weeks.”
The cargo shipment, put together by MAP International, departed from Miami International Airport (MIA) this afternoon and will arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UOI) tonight at 8:00pm local time, carrying more than 6,200 pounds of humanitarian aid for earthquake victims. These supplies, valued at approximately $1.4 million (USD), include pharmaceuticals – antibiotics and medicines to treat ongoing health issues including diabetes and heart conditions – and basic medical supplies, all of which are desperately needed to provide medical care for survivors of the earthquake.
While this is the first cargo shipment the organization has coordinated in response to the earthquake, Airlink is currently working with more than 20 humanitarian aid organizations to support transportation of relief workers and material aid into Ecuador. Over the past two weeks, through partnerships with Atlas Air, Avianca, JetBlue Airways, and United Airlines, Airlink has delivered more than $20,000 to its nonprofit partners. Airlink’s response capabilities are made possible by the Disaster Response Partnership (DRP). The DRP unites financial donors, airlines, logistics partners, and humanitarian aid organizations to support those in need in disasters and crises worldwide.
