Between 2019 and 2025, Avianca transported more than 500 vital organs for transplants and blood samples in Colombia and Ecuador

In commemoration of International Organ and Tissue Transplant Day, Avianca reaffirms its commitment to the regions where it operates, putting its operational capacity and equipment at the service of the communities. Through strategic alliances with the National Institute of Health (INS) in Colombia and the National Institute of Organ, Tissue and Cell Donation and Transplantation (INDOT) in Ecuador, between 2019 and 2025, the airline transported more than 500 vital organs, tissues, and samples necessary to identify recipients.

It is worth noting that, in 2025 alone, more than 220 transfers were recorded, free of charge, reaffirming the transformative role of the airplane, challenging complex geographies and making connectivity the best tool to reduce waiting times and bring timely solutions to those who need it most.

Of these, 122 were transported within Colombia and 100 within Ecuador, a crucial process for ensuring transplant viability and compatibility between donors and recipients. This transfer process is made possible through inter-institutional collaboration, enabling the efficient and safe movement of organs between cities, particularly in urgent cases.

Alliances that translate into second chances at life

These operations are performed free of charge and guarantee the quality of the delivery of the organ, tissue or sample.

The partner organization (INS or INDOT) activates the procedure by notifying Avianca and verifying the identity of the personnel authorized to deliver and receive the organ, tissue, or sample. An organ can weigh up to 20 kg, depending on its type and the container in which it is transported.

At the airport, the organ or sample undergoes health and security checks before being handed over to the airline team. It must be kept at a temperature of 4°C to ensure its viability.

The refrigerator is taken directly to the aircraft by the baggage staff: it travels in the cabin, boards first, and is the first thing to be unloaded.

At the destination, the Avianca team makes a direct delivery to the transplant institution so that it arrives promptly to its recipient.

“Every time we transport an organ, tissue, or sample for transplant, we are putting our capabilities at the service of life in the territories where we operate. It is a commitment to the people, families, and partners who trust us. Our operation becomes a bridge connecting hope between a person who needs a transplant and the opportunity to save their life. At Avianca, we understand that serving means this: using our aircraft, our experience, and our reach to generate a real impact, demonstrating that flying not only connects destinations but also connects second chances,” said Felipe Andrés Gómez Vivas, Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability at Avianca.

The airline will continue to strengthen its alliances with the National Institute of Health (INS) and the National Institute of Donation and Transplantation of Organs, Tissues and Cells (INDOT), convinced that connectivity is a powerful tool to save lives, reduce territorial gaps and generate tangible social impact.

Because when an organ arrives on time, it's not just an aircraft that lands: it's hope that lands.

Source: Avianca.