AirAsia offers assistance to Philippines typhoon victims with #toPHwithlove campaign

First off, my condolences to the victims of the Super Typhoon Haiyan and all those who were affected.

It is good to know some big corporations are chipping in to do their part in difficult times like this. Same goes to all the individuals who extended help in one way or another, in our own little ways.

Compassionate for one another makes the world a better place.

AirAsia today announced it will run a donation and relief campaign called ‘To Philippines with Love’ (#toPHwithlove) to benefit the communities affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan, which recently devastated the Philippines. The multi-tiered campaign will include collection of cash donations on board flights and at airports throughout the AirAsia Group network; as well as on the AirAsia Foundation microsite. Free cargo space and free flights for accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs), aid and humanitarian agencies for relief efforts will also be offered in addition to 250,000 free seats for Filipinos abroad (OFWs) to return home.

The public will be able to make online donations on the AirAsia Foundation microsite. The donation drive will run through 31st December 2013 and the total funds collected on board flights, on ground at the airports, as well as through the online microsite will be channelled towards the Philippine Red Cross for relief efforts that are being carried out in the Philippines.

The AirAsia Group will match the total public collection and this amount will be managed by the philanthropic arm of the airline, AirAsia Foundation – for long term reconstruction efforts to rebuild the communities that were affected by the typhoon. AirAsia Foundation has started discussions with Habitat for Humanity Philippines as well as doctors from the public health service working on relief missions in areas in most need of help.

Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia said, “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. Our own staff and their families in the Philippines have suffered as well, and we will stand by all Filipinos to fight through this test of time to find brighter skies together with the support of the Asean community. The AirAsia Group hopes to raise as much as possible by matching the total amount collected throughout this #toPHwithlove campaign to help send much needed emergency aid and to rebuild communities in the long run.”

As part of the #toPHwithlove campaign, AirAsia will be providing 250,000 free seats for Filipinos abroad who are looking to return home to their loved ones on selected domestic Filipino routes, as well as selected international routes into Manila. The domestic Filipino routes are from Cebu to Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Puerto Princesa; while international routes are from Macau, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai and Miri into Manila. Filipinos in Singapore can fly from Singapore to Philippines via Kuala Lumpur.

The free seats will be available for booking at www.airasia.com from 18th – 24th November 2013 and will be at SGD 0 (zero) fare, and guest only needs to pay for applicable taxes and fees. Anyone with a valid Filipino passport or identification number will be able to book these free seats, which will be operated on AirAsia Zest flights.

“We hope these free seats will facilitate a smoother journey for Filipinos abroad to return home to their loved ones in light of the wreck which Typhoon Haiyan has created. AirAsia stands by all of you, and we are sure that the Filipino spirit and resilience will pull you through this. We will also mobilise volunteers from our AirAsia Allstar staff force throughout the region to assist as much as possible,” added Tony Fernandes.

AirAsia is also freeing up cargo space for delivery of relief goods and those who are keen to help, including NGOs, civic groups, aid and humanitarian agencies can send in their requests to [email protected]. Instructions on delivery and cargo requirements will be provided after evaluation of the request.

The public can also log on to AirAsia’s Facebook and Twitter to find out more information on AirAsia’s relief efforts and the #toPHwithlove campaign as well as how they can lend a helping hand towards victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.