AIRLINK SECURES THE BOEING COMPANY, GE CAPITAL AVIATION SERVICES (GECAS) AND UTC AEROSPACE SYSTEMS AS CORPORATE SPONSORS

Washington, D.C., (March 17, 2014) – Airlink today announces growing corporate support from the aviation industry to support global humanitarian activity. The Boeing Company, GECAS and UTC Aerospace Systems have become financial benefactors.

“We are truly honored to welcome these three new companies as sponsors of our organization,” commented Steve Smith, Executive Director of Airlink. “As an independent non-profit, we intend to seek funding from new and traditional sources who are interested in supporting the global aviation relief network that Airlink has envisioned. Securing The Boeing Company, GECAS and UTC Aerospace Systems as benefactors, is a positive reflection on the aviation industry and demonstrates how we can come together to effect positive change in the world.”

Since its inception, Airlink has operated with modest funding, most of which came from the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT) Foundation. In January, 2013, Airlink transformed into an independent non-profit organization, enabling them to broaden their financial and volunteer support, while maintaining connections with both the Foundation and the valued ISTAT members. In late 2013 Airlink’s fundraising prospectus was unveiled and solicitation efforts began in earnest.

“Grants will continue to be pursued from traditional non-profit funding institutions as well as partnerships with entities related to air transportation such as OEMs, leasing companies, freight forwarders and logistics companies,” concluded Smith. “Airlink is poised to become a ‘household’ name within the aviation community, and the dream of building a global relief network has never been closer.”

In 2013, Airlink secured $340,000 in donated air transportation for cargo and passenger movements from 15 airlines including Aer Lingus, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, AmeriJet, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, FedEx, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, KLM, Nippon Cargo Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United, and UPS. In kind donations of professional services include legal counsel from Katten Muchin, IT system development from AerData, office space from Bristol Associates and tax services from Alan Chinn Group. Other corporate sponsors include Guggenheim Aviation, Vx Capital Partners, and a host of individual donors. To view a complete list of donors visit http://airlinkflight.org/PublicWebsite/Partners.