SMBC Aviation Capital donates $100K to support Airlink's response to the Türkiye-Syria Earthquake

WASHINGTON D.C. (March 3, 2023)  – SMBC Aviation Capital will become a “Platinum Level” sponsor of Airlink, which uses cash donations from aviation and non-aviation businesses, and in-kind gifts of seats and cargo space from airlines to transport expert responders and humanitarian aid free of charge for a global network of over 150 humanitarian relief nonprofit organizations.

David Swan, Chief Operations & Sustainability Officer at SMBC Aviation Capital said, “SMBC Aviation Capital offers our sincere sympathies to everyone affected by the tragic earthquake in Türkiye and Syria. As a company, we are fortunate to be in a position to financially support the humanitarian and recovery efforts through a newly formed partnership with Airlink. Due to its close relationship with the ISTAT Foundation and knowing Airlink since its creation, we are confident that the organisation is well placed to ensure our donation is used in the best way- harnessing the power of the aviation and aerospace sector to work with NGOs on the ground to meet all humanitarian needs.”

Airlink launched a humanitarian response immediately after the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Türkiye-Syria border on 6 February, 2023 that has been followed by additional earthquakes and aftershocks. To date, Airlink has worked with its aviation industry and NGO partners to deliver over 250 tons of relief supplies including shelter, winterization items, sanitation, hygiene, and medical supplies. This is in addition to providing free flights for 135 humanitarian personnel including search and rescue teams within the first 24 hours of the earthquake.

“We are seeing that the identified humanitarian needs are only continuing to grow and change to keep pace to support the millions of lives impacted by one of the deadliest quakes in recent history,” said Steven J. Smith, Airlink President and CEO. “The generous pledge and sponsorship from SMBC Aviation Capital comes at a pivotal time in Airlink’s response as we work to deliver our cargo pipeline, now at 1300+ tons, to ensure the right aid can reach more people in Türkiye and Syria. It is an honor to welcome SMBC Aviation Capital, a respected industry leader, on board and we are grateful for their support.”

Airlink is helping its NGO network meet both immediate response and long-term recovery needs in the region, which are extensive and will last years to come. The destruction in Türkiye and Syria has emphasized the importance of rebuilding efforts and the effectiveness of cash assistance. To join SMBC Aviation Capital in supporting communities in crisis, or to learn more about Airlink’s response, please visit Airlink’s website.

-ENDS-

Contact:

Andrew Williams

Airlink Director of Communications

E: awilliams@airlinkflight.org

Cell: 202-830-8514

About Airlink

Airlink is a global humanitarian nonprofit organization delivering critical aid to communities in crisis by providing free airlift and logistical solutions to nonprofit partners, changing how the humanitarian community responds to disasters worldwide. Its network includes over 150 aid organizations and more than 50 commercial and charter airlines. Since its inception in 2010, Airlink has flown over 10,000 relief workers and transported nearly 8,000,000 pounds of humanitarian cargo, directly helping over 35 million people impacted by natural and man-made disasters.

About SMBC Aviation Capital

Based in the IFSC in Dublin Ireland, SMBC Aviation Capital is the second largest aircraft operating lease company globally, with an owned, managed and committed fleet of over 940 aircraft. The company focuses on the most technologically advanced, fuel efficient and narrowbody aircraft types, providing customers across the globe with the aircraft they need to successfully grow their businesses. Established in 2001, the company was acquired in 2012 by a consortium comprised of two of Japan’s biggest companies SMFG and Sumitomo Corporation. For additional information, please visit SMBC Aviation Capital’s website at https://www.smbc.aero/