Airlink's Airlift Ukraine - Flights to Deliver Aid

From the onset of the conflict in late February 2022, Airlink has mounted a rapid and sustained response to match the scale of the humanitarian need in Ukraine and surrounding countries. Thanks to bold commitments from our airline and logistics partners, Airlink has moved over 350 tons of critical aid and more than 300 passengers for disaster relief nonprofits and their community partners in Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary.

Where possible, Airlink has utilized existing commercial capacity to mobilize aid. The organization also has utilized three multi-agency charter flights in partnership with two airlines to accommodate large shipments. In doing this, Airlink has leveraged economies of scale to give multiple organizations access to efficient, fast transportation for their relief supplies—all at no cost to the nonprofit partners.

Airlink will continue to support refugee programs and response efforts in Ukraine and surrounding countries for as long as airlift and logistics services are needed by its nonprofit partners.

Stories from the Field - Impact Airlink Is Makingwiith Your Support:

PERSONAL EMERGENCY/HYGIENE KITS 

At the onset of the war, Convoy of Hope stood up a response to meet the growing needs of refugees and internally displaced people throughout the region. In partnership with local organizations, Convoy of Hope has developed a robust distribution network to reach over 125,000 survivors with humanitarian items in Ukraine, Poland, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Hungary, Moldova, Austria, and Romania.

Thanks to the support of United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic Airways, Airlink was able to coordinate the delivery of over 90 pallets of humanitarian relief supplies to Poland and Romania. The cargo contained necessities for survivors such as food, blankets, hygiene kits, infant care items, first aid kits, and medical supplies. At a time when usual supply chains are devastated, these shipments ensured access to humanitarian relief to war-torn communities.

CLEAN WATER

More than 13 million people across Ukraine are in need of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) support. Since the first days of the conflict, Water Mission has been active in partnering with local groups to meet their clean water needs. The organization is addressing the WASH need by producing clean water, they are providing critical and sustainable support to several affected cities.

Thanks to the support of American Airlines, Airlink coordinated the shipment of Living Water Treatment Systems to support communities where the water infrastructure was affected by conflict. Once operational, the systems will provide consistent water access for 10,000. people. Beyond the water treatment systems, Water Mission has additionally distributed hygiene kits to conflict-affected communities, as well as refugee populations in surrounding countries.

FUEL for NGO Response

In the three months since the start of the war, fuel shortages have spread across Ukraine, further complicating daily life and the humanitarian response. Fuel is unavailable at most stations, and diesel, where available, is being heavily rationed. The shortage is making it increasingly difficult for NGOs on the ground to continue their crucial operations and get aid to where it is needed most.

With support from United Airlines, Airlink coordinated flights for members of Fuel Relief Fund's team, who have facilitated the purchase and delivery of over 12,000 liters of fuel to several NGO partners, including World Central Kitchen, The World Food Programme, and UNICEF. The majority of the fuel FRF has supplied NGOs is being used to power vehicles transporting emergency personnel and aid, and conduct civilian evacuations.

Links:

• Airlink coordinates aid delivery from Canada to Poland