In a major humanitarian effort to assist victims of the devastating earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela, Amazon has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Airlink to fund seven weekly cargo flights departing from Miami International Airport to Caracas.
The e-commerce giant, headquartered in Seattle, has committed to covering the full cost of aircraft operations and fuel, while the South Africa-based airline manages the cargo transportation logistics. Each flight will carry approximately 35 tons of essential supplies directly to those affected by the disaster.
“In just a few hours, these goods will be in the hands of those who need it most,” stated Bettina Stix, Amazon’s director of community impact, during a press event at Miami International Airport on Thursday. The initiative represents a significant boost to ongoing relief efforts coordinated by multiple organizations.
The humanitarian corridor is being established in coordination with U.S. State Department personnel, who are working closely with Venezuelan authorities to ensure the flights have proper access to the country. Once supplies arrive in Caracas, the United Nations World Food Program will oversee distribution to affected communities.
The scale of the disaster is staggering, with Venezuelan officials reporting a death toll exceeding 3,800 people, approximately 190 buildings completely destroyed, over 850 structures damaged, and nearly 18,000 residents displaced from their homes. Airlink’s president, Paloma Adams-Allen, emphasized that Amazon’s donated airlift capacity enables rapid and efficient delivery of aid to heavily impacted areas.
This air bridge initiative joins numerous other relief efforts being launched from South Florida, as the Miami community continues to mobilize resources and support for earthquake survivors in Venezuela.
