From mid-November to mid-January, devastating bushfires swept through much of Australia’s southeast. Thirty people have been killed. Thousands of homes were destroyed and an estimated half a billion animals died. In total, more than 10 million hectares were burnt out.
Hundreds of millions of dollars in donations have been raised, mostly in cash but also in kind. Much of it has come from private individuals, but big businesses have also stepped up. Australian and international companies alike have donated multi-million dollar amounts.
The aviation industry steps up
The aviation industry is no exception. Earlier this month, Boeing donated AUD$1 million to bushfire victims via the Australia Red Cross. Qantas and Jetstar also donated AUD$1 million. Rival Virgin Australia is matching employee donations dollar for dollar up to AUD$250,000. Singapore Airlines donated AUD$100,000. Malaysia Airlines is also donating a portion of ticket sales throughout January.
It has been a sterling effort and most airlines are doing more than just donating cash.
In addition to its cash donation, Qantas has been offering free travel for firefighters and their equipment. It has been collecting passenger donations at airports and encouraging frequent flyers to convert their points to donations. Finally, Qantas transported 100,000 face masks to bushfire affected communities
Qantas contributed a total of AUD$3 million in cash and services.
Other airlines also help out
Virgin Australia is also doing its bit to help where it can. As noted, the airline is matching employee donations up to AUD$250,000. Donations are being funneled via the Salvation Army. Virgin Australia is offering discounted fares to emergency organizations and waiving rebooking fees for people affected by the fires.
Virgin Australia staff who are involved in fighting the fires are receiving full pay for up to four weeks. Where it can, Virgin Australia is helping with transportation and freight logistics to support emergency services.
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Whilst Virgin Australia’s cash donation is less than Qantas’, this is not a competition. One of Virgin Australia’s owners, Singapore Airlines, has made a significant cash donation.
Singapore Airlines said further requests for assistance would be assessed on a case by case basis. Where appropriate, it will allow changes to bookings without penalty.
Embattled Malaysia Airlines also helps
Malaysia Airlines has a significant presence in Australia with over 50 flights a week into five Australian cities. Despite financial problems of their own, the airline is donating RM1 from every ticket sold throughout January.
Malaysia Airlines Group CEO, Izham Ismail, said;
“We are committed not just to limit our assistance in the form of money, but we have also initiated discussions with various organisations that can offer skills and expertise in the recovery of ecosystems.”
Finally, Etihad Airways is waiving flight change fees for passengers affected by the fires.
Bushfire season in Australia is only halfway over. Right now, milder weather and some rain have dampened the worst of the recent bushfires. Most remaining fires have been reduced to watch and act status.
As residents begin the process of rebuilding houses and repairing damaged and destroyed livelihoods, the assistance of companies like Qantas is proving invaluable.
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