Iberia Delivers Vital Humanitarian Aid to Latin America and Caribbean with UNICEF

Iberia, in partnership with UNICEF, is transporting critical healthcare supplies to children in Latin America and the Caribbean to prepare for emergency situations.

Iberia Airlines has continued its long-standing collaboration with UNICEF Spain by facilitating three new shipments of humanitarian supplies to Latin America and the Caribbean, aimed at bolstering child survival in potential crisis zones. The shipments, exceeding six tons, included essential healthcare materials and medicines, largely distributed through UNICEF's operations center in Panama.

For over a decade, Iberia has been a strategic partner of UNICEF Spain, utilizing its aircraft holds, in coordination with IAG Cargo's logistical expertise, to deliver aid rapidly in anticipation of humanitarian crises. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to pre-position necessary supplies, allowing for immediate response during emergencies such as natural disasters.

Marta López Fesser, Head of Corporate Alliances at UNICEF Spain, praised the partnership's efficiency. "Our collaboration with Iberia exemplifies how the private sector can play a pivotal role in saving and protecting children's lives," she stated. The proactive positioning of supplies ensures a swift and effective response when disasters strike, directly impacting child survival rates.

Iberia’s Director of Sustainability, Teresa Parejo, emphasized that this alliance aligns with the airline's social impact strategy, reflecting its commitment to 'generate prosperity by connecting people with the world.' “By transporting these essential supplies, we not only prepare for emergencies but also embrace a sustainable approach to humanitarian aid,” Parejo noted.

This partnership has supported various relief efforts, including responses to the humanitarian crisis in Haiti and the drought in Argentina's Salta region. IAG Cargo's Commercial Manager for Spain and Portugal, Idoia Martínez, highlighted the pride and dedication of their specialist teams in ensuring the safe and timely delivery of these life-saving supplies.

Moreover, the collaboration has significantly contributed to child immunization programs. Since 2013, Iberia has helped immunize over 1.3 million children against various diseases by raising funds from passengers and employees. The airline was the first globally to introduce a micro-donation system during the online ticket purchase process, allowing customers to contribute to UNICEF’s vaccination efforts.

These initiatives demonstrate Iberia's commitment to not only enhancing connectivity but also to fostering a healthier future for children worldwide.