Delivering Hope: Airlink’s Critical Aid in Global Disasters
This article was originally published in the February 2025 issue of Jetstream.
Supporting Airlink’s Disaster and Crisis Relief
It is a sobering reality that the threat of natural disasters and other events that precipitate humanitarian crises is a constant presence. It is also true that as the world’s population grows, so does the potential scale and human impact of these events.
Airlink is a global humanitarian organization that is among the first on the scene in devastated communities when disaster strikes. The airlift and logistical solutions they provide are essential in helping people simply survive initially and then stabilize their situations so they can start moving toward recovery.
It Isn’t Aid if You Can’t Get It There
Delivering aid to communities in crisis has never been more challenging or essential, with 300 million people worldwide requiring humanitarian assistance. In 2024, Airlink responded to over 40 individual emergencies, with more than half of its cargo shipments focused on critical healthcare needs, including pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and equipment. These efforts are particularly vital for communities enduring prolonged humanitarian crises, such as those in Sudanand Haiti.
“During another challenging year for humanitarian needs, Airlink is incredibly thankful for the support of Global Aerospace as a sponsor.”
“Their ongoing commitment means so much to us, ensuring that we are prepared to respond to events like last summer’s back-to-back hurricanes, Helene and Milton. It makes all the difference to rely on the resources their support provides to help communities in need and our NGO network at a moment’s notice,” says Steven J. Smith, President & CEO of Airlink.
Airlink Provides Several Services, Including:
- Rapid response to events like earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and fires
- Medium and long-term recovery assistance focused on community infrastructure
- Health systems strengthening that supports the ability of local health systems to respond to pandemics or rapid-onset events
- Assisting programs that aid displaced migrant populations
- Food insecurity and WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) programs that support access to adequate nutrition and clean water
Whether it’s emergency response coordination, passenger flights or cargo airlifts, Airlink plays a vital role in getting the right aid, to the right place, at the right time.
Airlink is a global humanitarian organization delivering critical aid to communities in crisis by providing free airlift and logistical solutions to vetted nonprofit partners, changing the way the humanitarian community responds to disasters around the world.
Airlink’s Impact
Among the figures Airlink uses to assess the organization’s impact are:
- 203 emergency responses
- 97 countries served
- 14.6+ million pounds of supplies mobilized
- 13,633 responders transported
- $42.9 million in transportation relief to NGOs worldwide
- 60 million people in crisis served
Supporting Airlink’s Critical Mission
Since 50%–70% of crisis response costs are tied to transportation and logistics, financial assistance from the aviation community is essential. It bridges significant gaps in disaster and humanitarian response, helping ensure that lifesaving aid reaches those who need it most.
Global Aerospace is proud to support this remarkable organization and its goal of delivering help and hope to people in desperate need of both. We partnered with Airlink in 2024 as a Bronze-level sponsor and plan to continue that support in 2025.
“Global Aerospace believes in supporting organizations that are creating positive change for the greater good,” says Global Aerospace Group Chief Executive Rachel Barrie. “Airlink does precisely that, and we see in their worldwide reach a reflection of our focus on making a global impact.”
In addition to our financial contributions, we intend to continue spreading the word about all the organization does to alleviate suffering. Airlink serves as a shining example of how aviation professionals can positively impact communities worldwide.
If you are unfamiliar with Airlink, we encourage you to learn about their services, from enabling rapid response in crisis zones to programs that strengthen health systems and address food insecurity.
All photos courtesy of Airlink