Airbus Foundation and Air Côte d'Ivoire team up for first goodwill flight

The Airbus Foundation and Air Côte d'Ivoire have organised their first goodwill flight to transport school supplies and clothes for underprivileged children aboard the airline’s newest A320. As part of Air Côte d'Ivoire’s corporate social responsibility policy, this mission will support the education and health sector – areas in great need in the region.

The aircraft took off from Toulouse on 25 November carrying 3 tonnes of goods, donated by Aviation Sans Frontières, to Air Côte d'Ivoire’s home base in Abidjan. The relief items will be distributed to the three NGOs Health Alliance, Children of Africa and SOS Village d’enfants d’Abobo.

“We are honoured to be working with Aviation Sans Frontières and the Airbus Foundation to perform this humanitarian flight,” said René Décurey, General Director Air Côte d’Ivoire. “The acceptance of our latest A320 is made more meaningful as we transport humanitarian goods to children in need. At the same time, this highlights the essential role that aviation plays in addressing humanitarian emergencies and supporting relief operations.”

“Whenever possible with our customers, we try to use delivery flights of new aircraft to ship humanitarian donations to countries or regions in need,” said Fabrice Brégier, President Airbus Commercial Aircraft and member of the Airbus Foundation’s Board of Directors. “I welcome Air Côte d'Ivoire to our network of partners and thank the airline as well as Aviation Sans Frontières for their logistics support and tireless efforts to make this mission a reality.” 

About the Airbus Foundation

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 60 relief or goodwill flights to numerous destinations around the globe. More information can be found at http://company.airbus.com/responsibility/Foundation.html.