Ukrainian low-cost airline SkyUp has partnered with fundraising platform United24, an initiative launched in May this year by Volodymyr Zelenskyy that aims to support Ukraine and collect donations for defence, humanitarian and medical assistance, and reconstruction of war-affected areas of the territory.
Based on the agreement, SkyUp created a brand image with the United24 logo, which is already used on its Boeing 737-800 with registration UR-SQM. The design includes the incorporation of QR codes, both on the exterior of the aircraft and in the cabin seat pockets. Passengers can use them to learn more about the initiative and contribute money towards the purchase of first aid kits for Ukrainian soldiers.
The fundraiser has been running since last 1 November and will continue until 1 February 2023. In addition, those wishing to help remotely can contribute a sum of money via the joint SkyUp and United24 portal.
Since the beginning of the war following Russia’s invasion of Ukrainian territory, the airline has had to adapt its activity. This way, it was able to survive the total suspension of scheduled commercial air operations in the country.
During the early days and weeks of the conflict, SkyUp flew Ukrainian citizens to Israel and Portugal from Moldova and Poland. It also helped transport international humanitarian aid to airports near the Ukrainian border. Today, the company’s aircraft continue to operate abroad.
«As a Ukrainian company, this is an opportunity for us to save our team and business, as well as to support the country with taxes», said Dmytro Seroukhov, CEO of SkyUp. «As Ukrainians, this is a chance for us to call on the international community to unite in support of Ukraine and other Ukrainians, who are now protecting both their future, and the democratic values of the whole world», he added.
«I am sure that the SkyUp+United24 aircraft can handle this important mission: to draw attention to Ukraine and help us continue uniting different states for the sake of Ukraine’s faster victory», commented Yaroslava Gres, coordinator of the United24 platform.
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