Did you know?
UNICEF's partnership with the international airline industry, Change for Good, raised over $185 million between its launch in 1991 and September 2022 by collecting coins from passengers, helping to save and improve the lives of millions of children around the world.
Relevance to aviation
Although air transport has a limited role to play in helping those living under extreme poverty, improved connectivity helps build economic development which in turn lifts standards of living. Aviation creates jobs in the industry directly, as well as in other sectors indirectly, providing jobs for 86.5 million people worldwide. It is also estimated that 58% of international tourists travel to their destination by air, helping to support employment in the tourism industry. Remittances (money sent home to developing countries by citizens working overseas) account for vital foreign income in many states. According to the World Bank, in 2023, remittance flows to low and middle income countries grew by 0.7% to reach $656 billion. The links home are made possible through rapid air transport.
Examples of action
- Turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR prides itself on the versatility of its aircraft to reach remote communities, opening up routes that are not suitable for larger jet engines, but vital for the people that need air services.
- Brussels Airlines supports the b.foundation for Africa.This partnership with various Belgian NGOs and organisations aims to create value for the local African society through supporting health care projects and local entrepreneurs.
- The Emirates Airline Foundation is a non-profit charity organisation which aims to improve the quality of life for children, regardless of geographical, political, or religious boundaries.
- The charitable aid organisation of the Lufthansa Group, help alliance, has been helping disadvantaged people throughout the world since 1999. The particular focus is on projects concerned with education and promoting measures that generate income so that young people can live an independent life.
- British Airways’ Flying Start programme is a global partnership with Comic Relief, which focuses on helping underprivileged young people have a better start in life. Airline passengers are encouraged to donate spare currency to support the initiative. Between its launch in 2010 and December 2023, Flying Start raised more than GBP 28 million and helped more than 863,000 children and young people worldwide.
Learn more in the Flying in Formation report