News | 29 August 2024
ISTAT Foundation Awards US$80,000 Grant to Airlink
The ISTAT Foundation is proud to award US$80,000 to Airlink, a nonprofit disaster relief organization. This funding is awarded as part of the ISTAT Foundation’s Grants Program, which is designed to provide financial support to organizations around the world that either advance commercial aviation or engage in aviation-related efforts.
“Over the years, the ISTAT Foundation has consistently supported Airlink and its incredible global impact,” said Tracey O’Brien, ISTAT Foundation Grants Committee Chair. “This grant is yet another testament to the strong relationship between our two organizations.”
The ISTAT Foundation founded Airlink in the aftermath of the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake and has contributed more than US$2 million in support of its initiatives to date. Over the past 14 years, Airlink has provided free air transport and logistical coordination for a pre-screened network of over 200 nonprofits, aiding in delivering disaster responders and aid supplies to areas affected by global humanitarian crises.
“All of us at Airlink extend our heartfelt congratulations to the ISTAT Foundation on its 30th anniversary — a milestone that reflects three decades of shaping the future of commercial aviation and giving back to the aviation community,” said Steven J. Smith, Airlink President and CEO. “We are especially honored by the recent US$80,000 donation, which will significantly enhance our ability to deliver crucial aid as humanitarian needs grow globally. We remain proud of our ISTAT heritage and deeply value the unwavering support and partnership that have fueled our shared achievements. As we move forward, we look forward to continuing our collaboration and leveraging aviation to make a meaningful impact.”
In 2023, Airlink managed 48 emergency responses, transporting 1,646 skilled responders and over 2,300 tons of humanitarian aid. This aid, which included health supplies, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) materials, food and shelter assistance, benefited more than 13 million people. Currently, Airlink is responding to multiple disasters and crises including the active Atlantic hurricane season.
The ISTAT Foundation looks forward to welcoming Airlink to ISTAT EMEA, 22-24 September, in Istanbul, to deliver an update on its humanitarian relief efforts in Turkey. We invite delegates of ISTAT EMEA to attend this session, which will take place 10:50 - 11:10 on Tuesday, 24 September, at the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti.
About the ISTAT Foundation
The ISTAT Foundation is the charitable arm of the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT). Founded in 1994, the ISTAT Foundation invests in and fosters the future of aviation across the globe by supporting individuals and institutions that promote the advancement of commercial aviation and humanitarianism. Annual grants from ISTAT itself, and contributions from individuals and companies, support the ISTAT Foundation’s four programs — Scholarships, Grants, Internships and Education. For more information, please visit www.istat.org/foundation.
About Airlink
Airlink is a global humanitarian nonprofit organization delivering critical aid to communities in crisis by providing free airlift and logistical solutions to vetted nonprofit partners, changing how the humanitarian community responds to disasters worldwide. Its network includes over 200 aid organizations and over 50 commercial and charter airlines. Since its inception in 2010, Airlink has flown over 12,000 relief workers and transported nearly 17 million pounds of humanitarian cargo, directly helping over 59 million people impacted by natural and man-made disasters. For more information, please visit airlinkflight.org or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.