The helicopter plays a critical role in humanitarian relief work, performing a number of important missions in times of need.
The Airbus Helicopters Foundation, based in Marignane, works with key partners to identify situations in which helicopters can provide urgent humanitarian aid and respond to natural disasters such as floods, fires or hurricanes.
In coordination with Airbus Helicopters' global network of subsidiaries and customers, the Foundation arranges for helicopters to be deployed to disaster areas and coordinates their operations.
Since 2013, the Airbus Helicopters Foundation has volunteered around 150 helicopters flight hours in response to humanitarian crises around the world – a number that continues to grow.
Activities performed in countries such as the Philippines, Bolivia, Brazil, Mexico and Serbia include ground surveillance, search and rescue, medical evacuations, and the transport of food, basic necessities and even construction materials.
The Foundation is also supporting actions in other emergency areas, such as sea and mountain rescue and emergency medicine.