Airbus Foundation plays crucial role in the Americas' humanitarian aid and education

The first quarter of 2017 ended with a unique collaboration between two Brazilian airlines to deliver humanitarian goods to Chile. For the first time ever, in the aftermath of Chile’s worst wildfires, two competing airlines worked closely with the Airbus Foundation and Aviation without Borders to coordinate a relief flight to Chile to realize relief supplies to the victims.

The partners used the delivery flight of Azul’s latest A320neo from Toulouse to Tancredo Neves/Confins International Airport, Brazil. Next, LATAM transported the goods to Chilean public charity ‘Desafio Levantemos’. The humanitarian cargo consisted of medical and support equipment such as wheelchairs and IV infusions as well as women and children clothing, toys and school supplies.

Besides bringing together the aviation community in the wake of a crisis, the Airbus Foundation also puts a lot of efforts into education. In March, the Airbus Foundation conducted the first training course on emergency medical services in Mexico, aiming to highlight the importance of helicopters for medical services and the management of medical pathologies using helicopters as a solution.

In the United States, the Airbus Foundation launched the Airbus Flying Challenge in Wichita and Mobile for the fourth and second year respectively, presenting the opportunity for Airbus employees to provide career exploration, life skills discussions, educational activities and academic enrichment to middle school students. The goal is to enhance students’ life options by improving their grades, inspire them to finish high school and stimulate their interest in an aviation-related career. In 2017, The Flying Challenge will focus on STEM education at the high school level through the construction of a flying aircraft. The students will be exposed to aircraft design, engineering and production activities, as well as project management, team work and finally, the freedom of flight.

For more information please contact:
Julien NO MURA
Airbus Foundation
julien.no-mura@airbus.com