SOURCE: ISTAT Foundation
Fundraising Effort Backed by Matching Campaign with Initial Contributions from Air Lease Corporation and Pratt & Whitney Will Help Transport Response Teams and Critical Supplies
CHICAGO, Illinois, March 15, 2022 – The International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (“ISTAT”) Foundation announced that it has established a relief fund in response to the urgent and growing humanitarian crisis that is unfolding in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine.
The Ukraine Relief Fund with a fundraising goal of US$1,000,000 will provide immediate financial support for the efforts of Airlink, Inc., the foundation’s long-time partner, and other aviation-focused non-governmental organization (“NGO”) partners in delivering direct humanitarian aid, response teams, and critical supplies to Ukraine. Airlink is a global humanitarian organization delivering critical aid to communities in crisis by providing airlift and logistical solutions to nonprofit partners, changing the way the humanitarian community responds to disasters around the world.
“This is a very tragic humanitarian disaster and will require significant aid for the refugees. With this fund we, together with the ISTAT community, are delighted to be able to provide much needed financial support towards these relief efforts,” said ISTAT Foundation Chair, Peter Huijbers.
The ISTAT Foundation made an initial contribution of $300,000 toward the fund. ISTAT has also committed up to $300,000 in additional relief through an ISTAT Matching Campaign to help reach the goal of $1,000,000.
The immediate generous response from the industry has brought in a $100,000 pledge from Air Lease Corporation, and Pratt & Whitney has made a $25,000 commitment for the matching campaign.
“Air Lease Corporation was eager to support this initiative which will provide critical and urgent assistance through Airlink to those impacted first hand by the tragedy and exodus from Ukraine,” said John L. Plueger, CEO and President of Air Lease Corporation.
“The people of Ukraine are at the forefront of our minds as we make this pledge to support the humanitarian relief efforts,” said Rick Deurloo, chief commercial officer at Pratt & Whitney. “We’re proud to be part of ISTAT’s commitment to the community. Times like these remind us of the importance of coming together to support one another across the globe.”
Other companies and individuals are invited to participate in the effort by donating to the fund at (https://foundation.istat.org/Support/Ukraine-Relief-Fund). Questions may be directed to [email protected].
About the ISTAT Foundation
The ISTAT Foundation is the charitable arm of the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT). Founded in 1994, the ISTAT Foundation invests in and fosters the future of aviation across the globe by supporting individuals and institutions that promote the advancement of commercial aviation and humanitarianism. Annual grants from ISTAT itself, and contributions from individuals and companies, support the ISTAT Foundation’s five programs — Scholarships, Grants, Internships, Education, and Humanitarian Aid. www.istat.org/foundation.
About Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL)
ALC is a leading aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California that has airline customers throughout the world. ALC and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions.
About Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft and helicopter engines, and auxiliary power units. Pratt & Whitney is powering a more sustainable future. To learn more visit www.prattwhitney.com.