A fundraising effort launched by United Airlines has the potential to play a critical role in a bid to fly aid workers and supplies to the areas of Ukraine that are most in need.
The carrier’s MileagePlus frequent flyer members can donate cash or miles to the airline’s relief partners – Airlink, Americares, American Red Cross and World Central Kitchen.
United pledges to match the first five million donated miles – the equivalent of hundreds of connecting flights to places like Poland, Hungary and Romania – and $100,000 as well as award bonus miles to anyone who gives $50 or more.
The airline has also paused transit via Russian airspace and suspended interline agreements with Russian carriers. Credit card payments from Russia will no longer be accepted on the United app or united.com.
The airline’s president Brett Hart said: “The human tragedy we are witnessing in Ukraine is horrifying and has shocked us all so we’re doing our part to quickly help get aid to the people who desperately need relief.
“Our partners have been on the ground for more than a week and it’s clear they need more resources to fulfill their mission of flying workers and supplies to and from the frontlines of this crisis.
“We’re proud to do our part and will continue to look for ways to lend support where it’s needed.”