The aviation industry always comes through to aid in evacuations and ship critical relief supplies in times of trouble.
The devastating fires in Maui have cost lives and left many needing medical care, basic supplies, and relocation. Airlines have provided full support to travelers and the local community. Here is a recap of airlines’ efforts and links to where you might help.
Hawaiian Airlines Maui Support
United Airlines Maui Support
United has also partnered with the aviation emergency response GMO AirLink to gather miles used to transport international crisis responders to Hawaii.
Donate to AirLink here: https://donorbox.org/ualmp-supports-airlink-hawaii-wildfires
American Airlines Maui Support
to provide much-needed relief to the people of Hawaii impacted by the wildfires and you can help. Now through Aug. 31, you’ll earn 10 AAdvantage® bonus miles for every dollar donated to @RedCross
of $25 or more. https://bit.ly/446hPBE
Southwest Airlines Maui Support
Delta Air Lines Maui Support
The airline is donating $250,000 to the American Red Cross to help with the relief efforts in Maui and other parts of Hawaii affected by wildfires caused by Hurricane Dora.
“Delta stands in support of the people affected by the fires in Hawaii,” said Tad Hutcheson, Managing Director-Community Engagement. “We are thankful to have partners like the Red Cross that specialize in disaster response year-round and can help provide immediate assistance to those in need.” This contribution is in addition to Delta’s $1 million grant to the American Red Cross as an Annual Disaster Giving Program partner.
Delta customers can also support relief efforts for the Hawaii fires by donating through Delta’s Customer Microsite, in partnership with the Red Cross. Donations will go toward immediate relief needs.
Since 1941, Delta has partnered with the American Red Cross, helping people in need. Delta has also been the largest sponsor of blood drives with the American Red Cross for the past six years.
Air Canada Maui Support
Air Canada has flown over one thousand Canadians home safely from Maui over several days following the devastating wildfires on the Hawaiian island.
The airline’s global operations nerve center located near Toronto, Ontario, known as System Operations Control (SOC), which manages and tracks the airline’s worldwide operations 24/7, immediately began putting together a team to focus on the Maui operation.
The airline assigned a larger 298-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to expedite evacuation. The aircraft’s extra capacity helped bring back more passengers. Air Canada continued a double crew operation with the Dreamliner for three days, departing as ferry flights and returning from Maui full of passengers each time. Air Canada issued a goodwill travel policy for those who wanted to depart ahead of their scheduled flight. The larger aircraft departing Maui offered additional seat capacity to get travelers off the island. The airline resumed flights with the normally scheduled 169-seat Boeing 737 MAX on Aug. 12, when they no longer required the larger aircraft capacity.
The SOC team evaluated the ground situation with Karen, who was continually liaising with local authorities and outlooking the number of passengers still needing to return to Canada. Air Canada resumed flights with the normally scheduled 169-seat Boeing 737 MAX on Aug. 12. The airline secured Crew accommodations in an unaffected part of the island.
Air Canada has in place a flexible goodwill policy for passengers to change or cancel their flights to Maui. Travelers can change their flights from Maui to Honolulu, change Maui flights to a future date, or cancel Maui flights for an Air Canada travel voucher. Customers can apply the voucher to other destinations. Travelers can also request a refund.
The Air Canada Foundation is liaising with aid partners to determine any assistance the Foundation can support.
Alaska Airlines Maui Support
Alaska Airlines is closely monitoring the devastating impacts of the Maui wildfires and continues to operate eight daily departures from the island. To help people leave the island, the airline is flying additional rescue flights to Maui, carrying relief supplies, including water, non-perishable food, pillows, blankets, towels, wipes, baby formula, and diapers. The aircraft will bring guests back to the mainland. A flexible travel policy exists for guests wanting to change or cancel travel to/from Maui.
Learn more about the airline’s relief efforts here.
Japan Airlines Support of Maui
Japan Airlines (JAL) extends its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to those affected by the wildfires on Maui Island in Hawaii. JAL is providing support and hoping for a swift recovery and restoration.
JAL is collecting monetary donations through the following channels and will contribute the donations to the Maui Strong Fund managed by the *Hawaii Community Foundation.
- JAL Mileage Bank members can donate their miles, which will be contributed as a monetary equivalent.
- Donation period: August 18, 2023, 17:00 – September 30, 2023, 23:59 (Japan time)
- Donation details: Mileage donation based on 500 miles (equivalent to 500 yen) per unit
- Donation method: Accepting donations in 500-mile units on the JAL website
https://www.jal.co.jp/jp/en/jalmile/use/charity/2023/maui/ (login required)
2. Fundraising activities by JAL employees
The entire JAL Group will collect and contribute donations.
3. On-site Donations in Honolulu
Donations will be collected from customers at two locations:
1) JAL Sakura Lounge and departure gates at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
2) JALPAK Aloha Stations located in Waikiki.
Collection period: August 18, 2023 – September 30, 2023.
Donation of JALPAK Tour Revenue
From August 21, 2023 to September 30, 2023, a portion of the revenue from overseas package tours and JAL Overseas Dynamic Packages booked from Japan to Hawaii will be donated. This donation amounts to 500 yen per person for itineraries departing between August 26, 2023, and March 31, 2024. This offer is only valid for travels originating from Japan.
JAL will donate 10 million yen to the Maui Strong Fund, which supports those affected by the fire.
The Hawaii Community Foundation manages the Maui Strong Fund to support those affected by the fire on Maui Island. They assist the affected communities through the fund. Learn more at https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/.
Kamaka Air Provides Aid to Maui
Kamaka Air, a regional air freight company in Hawaii, has shown incredible commitment and solidarity in supporting the people of Maui after devastating wildfires. They have conducted 10 evacuation flights and delivered over 65,000 pounds of essential supplies to those affected by the crisis.
“Our hearts are with the people of Maui during this challenging time, and we extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends who experienced the loss of a precious life. We hope that the essential supplies shipped, and our passenger charter flights provide comfort and relief for citizens who relocated temporarily for shelter,” expressed Jim Petrides, President at Kamaka Air.
Kamaka Air received donations from various organizations and individuals to aid the Maui community in the aftermath of the recent devastation. Archie Kalepa, a renowned waterman, and his team played a crucial role in providing medical supplies, essentials, and food to those in need in Lahaina.
“We recognize our donors and community heroes, such as Archie Kalepa, a world-renowned waterman, surfer, and retired lifeguard who, with his team of volunteers, responded quickly to the needs of the Lahaina community and provided much-needed medical supplies, essentials, and life-sustaining food to those in need. His immediate response to the disaster saved hundreds of lives in Lahaina,” stated Joelle Aki Aoki, Government Affairs Officer and Lana’i Station Manager at Kamaka Air.
Kamaka Air demonstrates its commitment to helping rebuild and restore Maui by providing air freight delivery services and supporting neighboring communities during crises. Their contributions highlight the power of collective goodwill. For more information, visit https://www.kamakaair.com/.