In a significant move to enhance public health in Mexico, Volaris has reestablished its partnership with Cruz Roja Mexicana to facilitate the air transportation of donated blood and blood components at no cost. This initiative coincides with the celebration of World Blood Donor Day and aims to broaden access to this essential resource across various regions of the country.
The necessity for blood donations in Mexico is significant, with projections indicating that no less than five million contributions are needed annually. Despite this, in 2024, merely 1.5 million donations were documented, emphasizing the urgent requirement for programs such as this one. Thanks to this partnership, Volaris is now the pioneering airline formally linked with Cruz Roja Mexicana to establish a structured procedure for the transportation of donated blood by air, employing its aircraft, flight paths, and skilled staff to meet this pressing humanitarian demand.
Blood contributions will be gathered at Cruz Roja’s Blood Banks, where they will be packaged following strict safety and cooling procedures. This blood will subsequently be moved to major cities like Guadalajara, Monterrey, Cancún, Mérida, and Mexico City, where it will be distributed to regions in the most urgent need. The aerial transport system is set up to greatly decrease wait times, guaranteeing that blood arrives at its destination within 45 minutes after the plane lands.
Enrique Beltranena, President and CEO of Volaris, emphasized that this partnership is a major step forward in raising awareness about blood donation. He stated, «Today, Volaris is flying higher than ever. This collaboration with Cruz Roja is a testament to what can be achieved when the private sector and humanitarian organizations unite to save lives.» This effort is not just about transporting blood; it also seeks to cultivate a culture of voluntary donation, moving away from reliance on replacement donations.
To encourage donations, Volaris has announced a program offering up to 250,000 complimentary one-way flights on domestic routes for individuals who make effective blood or platelet donations between June 11 and June 30, 2025. This initiative will take place at blood banks and mobile campaigns organized by Cruz Roja in Mexico City and the Bajío region.
The partnership between Volaris and Cruz Roja is not a new occurrence. For more than eight years, both entities have collaborated through the «Avión Ayuda Volaris» initiative, which has supported the transportation of volunteers, resources, and pharmaceuticals. In 2024 solely, over 500 units of blood were carried in the cabin, assisting more than 1,500 people. With the freshly formed protocol, the amount of blood transported is anticipated to grow considerably, allowing for a faster and more effective reaction to urgent situations.
José Miguel Ramos, Director General of the Blood Bank at Cruz Roja Mexicana, highlighted the importance of this partnership, noting that «every drop matters.» He pointed out that each unit of blood can save up to three lives, and this agreement marks a historic advancement in ensuring that safe blood reaches those in need, regardless of distance.
Training for more than 200 Volaris ambassadors has also been conducted by the National Training and Instruction Center of Cruz Roja, ensuring that personnel are well-prepared to handle emergencies and disaster response situations.
This joint effort aims to not only address an immediate need but also to foster a more compassionate and generous Mexico. Blood cannot be manufactured; it must be donated, and each donation has the potential to transform lives. Thanks to this partnership, many individuals’ chances of survival will be significantly improved, and the community will have access to a more robust system for meeting this critical need.
In summary, the alliance between Volaris and Cruz Roja Mexicana for the transportation of donated blood represents a pivotal initiative in the ongoing effort to save lives. This airbridge of hope not only facilitates access to safe blood but also serves as an inspiration for more individuals and organizations to engage in this vital cause. The health and lives of countless people depend on the willingness to donate, and through this initiative, a foundation is being laid for a healthier and more supportive future in Mexico.
