Within the framework of World Organ Transplant Day, Avianca presented its balance of results on the alliance it maintains with the National Institute of Health (INS) and which has allowed the transfer of 89 organs and 164 donor samples between 2019 and 2023.
Additionally, in order to maximize its impact in Latin America, the company signed an alliance with the
National Institute of Donation and Transplantation of Organs, Tissues and Cells -INDOT- for the transportation of patients, organs, tissues, biological samples and medical personnel on Avianca planes to the interior of Ecuador so that more lives can be saved.
To guarantee a successful transfer, Avianca created an internal transportation protocol to manage the transfer
of organs. This is based on the training and information of the actors, both on the ground and in flight, who contribute to the organ transfer process.
Airline staff ensure that, from the moment of receipt at the point of origin, the organ
has the required medical and transport documentation, as well as appropriate packaging conditions. During the flight, the crew is responsible for receiving the organs and laboratory samples and placing them in a safe area, reviewing the documentation and informing the captain. Finally, once on the ground, the crew member delivers the organ to the airport staff, who again verifies the documentation and signs its receipt, giving way to the moment of delivery to the health entities in charge.
This process is carried out within the transfer times stipulated by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS),
seeking to guarantee good condition at the time of the transplant. These can vary between 6 and 36 hours, depending on the type of organ.
“At Avianca we are proud to be part of initiatives that transform and save lives. The alliance with the INS has allowed us to put our resources at the service of the communities, contributing to the improvement in the quality of life of these people. We take this mission very seriously, which is why we work on rigorous logistics and transportation protocols so that these organs and samples arrive in perfect condition and on time. Additionally, we want to highlight the importance of the LifeMiles Mileage Bank, our main tool to positively impact those who need it most,” said Felipe Andrés Gómez Vivas, director of sustainability and institutional relations at Avianca.
These results are part of the “alliances for development” strategy advanced by the company. To
date, Avianca has 18 social allies on issues of childhood, health, entrepreneurship, women's empowerment, food, among others. Additionally, thanks to the Miles Bank, which is fueled by voluntary donations from LifeMiles members, during 2023, the company managed to benefit more than 14,000 people in vulnerable situations or with specific needs.