Hermes Airports participates in aid to Ukraine project

Hermes Airports has joined forces with other airports to actively participate in the Ukraine crisis airport response, it said on Wednesday.

The response is a joint initiative between Airlink, the not-for-profit humanitarian logistics organisation, and Airports Council International (ACI) Europe) the organisation representing over 500 airports in 55 countries.

Hermes itself has pledged €20,000 and is launching an appeal through which employees and the airport community can contribute though the fundraising activity.

Airlink is currently working with 20+ relief organisations and NGOs delivering aid to Ukraine and to the refugees. It provides passenger tickets for humanitarian aid workers and volunteers providing medical, mental health and other services.

Steven J. Smith, president and CEO, of Airlink, said they were “deeply grateful” to the staff and management of Hermes.

“This generous act will help fund flights and logistical coordination efforts for dozens of responding nonprofits, greatly increasing the amount of aid that goes to Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees displaced by the war,” he said.

Olivier Jankovec, director general of ACI Europe added: “As we all seek to find ways to respond to the all-too-apparent human suffering, here is a tangible way in which the airport community can truly make a difference”.

He said that Airlink’s work addresses the mammoth transport, logistic, coordination and information management task of getting aid specialists and supplies where they are most needed.

Eleni Kaloyirou, CEO of Hermes Airports, said their contribution was an expression of solidarity with those suffering from the war.

“We hope that the airport community will support the Ukrainian people and influence peace and stability. On behalf of every one of us at Hermes Airports, our thoughts are with those most deeply affected by the war,” she said.

Those interested can find out more about Airlink and the Ukrainian Crisis Response here. To make a donation, please visit the fund-raising page here.