In a significant move to enhance public health in Mexico, Volaris has reestablished its partnership with Cruz Roja Mexicana to facilitate the air transportation of donated blood and blood components at no cost. This initiative coincides with the celebration of World Blood Donor Day and aims to broaden access to this essential resource across various regions of the country.
The necessity for blood donations in Mexico is significant, with projections indicating that no less than five million contributions are needed annually. Despite this, in 2024, merely 1.5 million donations were documented, emphasizing the urgent requirement for programs such as this one. Thanks to this partnership, Volaris is now the pioneering airline formally linked with Cruz Roja Mexicana to establish a structured procedure for the transportation of donated blood by air, employing its aircraft, flight paths, and skilled staff to meet this pressing humanitarian demand.
Blood donations will be collected at Cruz Roja’s Blood Banks, where they will be packed under stringent safety and refrigeration protocols. This blood will then be transported to key cities such as Guadalajara, Monterrey, Cancún, Mérida, and Mexico City, where it will be delivered to areas with the greatest need. The air transport system is designed to significantly reduce waiting times, ensuring that blood reaches its destination within 45 minutes after the flight lands.
Enrique Beltranena, President and CEO of Volaris, highlighted that this collaboration marks a significant advance in promoting blood donation awareness. He mentioned, “Today, Volaris is soaring like never before. This partnership with Cruz Roja demonstrates the potential achievements when private companies and humanitarian organizations join forces to save lives.” This initiative focuses not only on transporting blood but also aims to foster a culture of voluntary giving, reducing dependence on replacement donations.
To encourage donations, Volaris has announced a program offering up to 250,000 complimentary one-way flights on domestic routes for individuals who make effective blood or platelet donations between June 11 and June 30, 2025. This initiative will take place at blood banks and mobile campaigns organized by Cruz Roja in Mexico City and the Bajío region.
The collaboration between Volaris and Cruz Roja is not a recent development. For over eight years, the two organizations have worked together through the “Avión Ayuda Volaris” program, which has facilitated the transport of volunteers, supplies, and medications. In 2024 alone, more than 500 units of blood were transported in the cabin, benefiting over 1,500 individuals. With the newly established protocol, the volume of blood transported is expected to increase significantly, enabling a quicker and more efficient response to emergencies.
José Miguel Ramos, Director General of the Blood Bank at Cruz Roja Mexicana, highlighted the importance of this partnership, noting that “every drop matters.” He pointed out that each unit of blood can save up to three lives, and this agreement marks a historic advancement in ensuring that safe blood reaches those in need, regardless of distance.
Training for more than 200 Volaris ambassadors has also been conducted by the National Training and Instruction Center of Cruz Roja, ensuring that personnel are well-prepared to handle emergencies and disaster response situations.
This joint effort aims to not only address an immediate need but also to foster a more compassionate and generous Mexico. Blood cannot be manufactured; it must be donated, and each donation has the potential to transform lives. Thanks to this partnership, many individuals’ chances of survival will be significantly improved, and the community will have access to a more robust system for meeting this critical need.
In conclusion, the partnership between Volaris and Cruz Roja Mexicana for the transport of blood donations symbolizes a crucial program in the continuous endeavor to preserve lives. This hopeful airbridge not only improves access to secure blood but also motivates more people and organizations to participate in this essential mission. The well-being and survival of many individuals rely on the commitment to donate, and with this effort, groundwork is being set for a healthier and more empathetic future in Mexico.
