United Airlines continued its longstanding commitment to addressing humanitarian needs recently, transporting more than 11,000 people off the islands of Hawaii since wildfires overwhelmed Maui on Aug. 8.
In addition to transporting tens of thousands of people off the island, United flew in responders from American Red Cross, Air Link and World Central Kitchen.
From Aug. 8-13, United operated 62 departures, including 28 with widebody aircraft, while also adding capacity in and out of Honolulu, where many evacuees first traveled seeking transport to the mainland.
Customers, along with United, have donated more than 43 million miles and nearly $450,000 through the Miles on a Mission campaign that the airline launched for humanitarian aid and disaster relief partners.
In addition, United has extended its travel waiver, providing flexibility to anyone who had travel booked to Hawaii through Sept. 16.
United’s history of humanitarian efforts is strong.
In the opening months of the COVID-19 pandemic, United flew in tens of thousands of health care workers to New Jersey. The airline also was instrumental in providing relief to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria in 2017. It also has assisted with humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
United, based in Chicago, has a large presence in New Jersey. With nearly 15,000 employees, it is one of the state’s largest employers.