U.S. Airlines step up COVID-19 humanitarian efforts

The entire U.S. economy is in shambles due to the spread of the Coronavirus that originated from mainland China.

All sectors have been touch by the economic 'Angel of Death,' especially the travel industry and in particular, the airline industry.

But while the COVID-19 has decimated the airline industry’s financial bottom line, several airlines have tried to make the most out of the pandemic and are giving back to the community and helping out those most affected by the disease.

Some of the largest airlines – American Airlines, Delta, United, and Southwest, have all pitched in with some going over and above the call to serve.

Delta recently orchestrated a massive 1,500 person airlift from Manila, the Philippines to Salt Lake City. United helped stranded cruise line passengers in San Francisco get back home to Melbourne, Australia and has been flying protective medical equipment from China into the U.S. and allowing “medical volunteers” to book free round-trip flights to New York City and California.

Both American and Delta have donated tons of food they can’t use to those most affected by the virus, and in others in need.

The Coronavirus has also affected the U.S. Armed Forces, so American Airlines has been delivering care packages to military personnel being quarantined as a result of contracting the virus.

“Our military serves to keep us safe and now it’s our turn to serve them,” tweeted American Airlines

In addition, American has announced that they will soon be able to increase their weekly cargo haul to 5.5.million pounds around the globe and move much-needed “life-saving medical equipment” to America.

While the airlines are doing their part, so are U.S. lawmakers who see the airline industry as a vital instrument to the national security of the United States of America.

Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R), who lives in Miami, Florida and is an American Airlines frequent flyer, is supportive of a measure to help the airline industry and any other “businesses and industries” that are on the verge collapse “due to the pandemic”

“We are not living in ordinary times. Many businesses and industries, due to the pandemic, are on the verge of bankruptcy and collapse,” Sen. Rubio responding to The Floridian’s request for comment.

Rubio also stated that “Congress has an obligation to act” and “ensure the aviation industry has the resources to remain operational.”

“We will have a very different country if the airline industry were to collapse,” Rubio continued “The implications for the economy, for public health, and for our national security would be staggering and we cannot allow it to happen.”

 

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