Airbus Foundation and the Spanish Red Cross Association to promote the Flying Challenge project

More than 70 volunteers from Airbus and the Red Cross and hundreds of third-year students from five secondary schools in Madrid, Andalusia and Castile-La Mancha will be involved in the programme

Airbus Foundation has signed a cooperation agreement with the Spanish Red Cross Association to promote the Flying Challenge project, a mentoring programme that aims to help school-age children achieve academic and professional success. This project, which over the last four years has been running in secondary schools in Madrid and Andalusia, is now entering a new phase. The presentation of this new alliance was attended by Andrea Debbane, Executive Director of the Airbus Foundation, and Javier Senent García, President of the Spanish Red Cross.

With the support of volunteers from Airbus and the Red Cross, the Flying Challenge aims to encourage young people to stay in education, help them to realise their potential and heighten their self-esteem. The programme also provides them with an opportunity to discover different careers, whether in aeronautics or other related technical fields, and promotes development of the skills needed for success in higher education and in the workplace (including research, planning and the ability to work in a team). This is achieved through an exhaustive methodology included in the school syllabus developed by Cadigenia, a company specialising in creative training.

“Thanks to this agreement, Airbus Foundation is able to strengthen its commitment to the welfare of society and its support for associations such as the Red Cross, helping to improve the long-term quality of life of our young people,” Andrea Debbane declared.

Javier Senent, speaking on behalf of the Spanish Red Cross, stated that “the work carried out by Red Cross Youth with school-age children through initiatives like these with the Airbus Foundation helps young people develop skills to enhance their self-awareness and make decisions regarding their professional future.”

Around 500 students from secondary schools in Getafe, Illescas, Puerto Real, El Puerto de Santa María and Seville are expected to participate during the current academic year. Social projects such as these targeted at people living near Airbus sites help to establish solid links between schools, businesses and the local community.

The Airbus Foundation, chaired by Tom Enders, CEO of Airbus, includes Airbus, Airbus Helicopters and Airbus Defence and Space as founding and contributing members. It is the company’s vehicle for corporate philanthropy, using the group’s resources, aeronautic and space products, competencies, diverse workforce and culture for driving innovation to address societal issues. In particular, the Foundation supports the global humanitarian community and inspires and prepares young people for the challenges of tomorrow. Since its launch in December 2008, the Airbus Foundation has facilitated more than 55 relief or goodwill flights to numerous destinations around