Dear Colleagues,
As the situation in Eastern Europe continues to deteriorate, many of our Member Associations and individual pilots have generously reached out to us, looking for guidance on how to support the pilot community in Ukraine.
We have determined, after consulting with UALPA and other European Member Associations and authorities, that the best course of action is to get involved in your locally organized initiatives if possible. First, as an individual pilot, please contact your local MA and find out what they are doing in your home country to support those on the ground in Ukraine and/or those who have left Ukraine and are now looking for housing and local assistance in your country. This type of local action is powerful, sustainable, and goes a long way toward effectively building bridges with our Ukrainian colleagues.
On a global/European level, we also strongly encourage those who are able, to donate to organizations with a practical, established, on-the-ground presence in Ukraine now, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, The UN World Food Programme, or a similar, well-known organization you personally prefer.
Your donation will have a direct effect of helping people on the ground and it will be distributed by a time-tested organization known for its dedication to humanitarian needs and political impartiality.
Therefore, we urge pilots who are willing and able to help to think global and act local by contacting your home MA for initiatives. If possible, please also choose to donate to the aid organization of your choice today. We believe this is the best course of action to support Ukraine now.
DONATE – Red Cross – Ukraine Crisis
DONATE- World Food Programme -Emergency Aid in Ukraine
Finally, both IFALPA and ECA are working on other initiatives aimed to help Ukrainian pilots and their families in the future. We will continue to update you on the situation or any new aviation-specific initiatives as they develop.
In solidarity,
Captain Jack Netskar
IFALPA President
Captain Otjan de Bruijn
ECA President