Deloitte partners with United Airlines and Airlink to bring aid to communities impacted by Gulf Coast Hurricanes

NEW YORK, NY, 6 October 2020—Responding to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Sally, Deloitte has donated its United Airlines credits to rapid response disaster relief nonprofit Airlink, supporting the transportation of aid workers, expert volunteers and critical humanitarian supplies for several responding nonprofits. Airlink’s partners include Empact Northwest, the Fuel Relief Fund, Mobile Medics International, NECHAMA, Operation BBQ Relief, Team Rubicon, and World Hope International.

Through donations, Airlink provides pre-screened, nonprofit organizations with seats and cargo airlift at zero and reduced cost, saving these organizations millions of dollars a year that they can redirect to service delivery and humanitarian supplies. Hurricane Laura response teams and cargo began departing over Labor Day weekend and Hurricane Sally efforts will continue over the coming weeks.

“We are grateful to be able to redirect our unused ticket credits on United Airlines to Airlink to support the transportation of volunteers and supplies to help those affected by the recent hurricanes in the Gulf Coast,” says Punit Renjen, Deloitte Global CEO. “It is inspiring to see business and non-profit organizations working together in creative ways to support local communities that have been hard hit by severe weather.”

“In this time of critical need, it is more important than ever for us to leverage our resources and relationships to help support the communities where we live and fly,” said Scott Kirby, Chief Executive Officer, United. “We value our long-standing relationship with Deloitte and are proud to partner with them to transport volunteers and critical supplies to those impacted by these tropical storms.”

Steve Smith, CEO of Airlink said, “Deloitte’s donation to Airlink of unused United Airlines ticket credits is generous and an innovative approach to giving. It has made an instant impact for the communities impacted by Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Sally. COVID-19 has substantially reduced business related travel, and I encourage other companies to consider emulating Deloitte.”

With offices and professionals located in more than 150 countries and territories around the world, Deloitte is one of the largest travel buyers globally. As a result, Deloitte has been in the process of donating approximately US$1 million unused ticket balances across multiple airlines to primarily assist frontline workers traveling to COVID-19 hotspots, as well as to facilitate the transportation of personal protective equipment, and medical supplies to areas of greatest need.