Volaris joins Cruz Roja Mexicana to improve blood donation logistics

In a noteworthy step to boost public health in Mexico, Volaris has renewed its collaboration with Cruz Roja Mexicana to enable the air transport of donated blood and its components free of charge. This action aligns with the commemoration of World Blood Donor Day and seeks to expand the availability of this vital resource in different parts of the nation.

The demand for blood transfusions in Mexico is acute, with estimates suggesting that at least five million donations are required each year. However, in 2024, only 1.5 million donations were recorded, highlighting the critical need for initiatives like this. Through this collaboration, Volaris has become the first airline officially associated with Cruz Roja Mexicana to implement a formal protocol for airlifting donated blood, utilizing its fleet, routes, and trained personnel to address this urgent humanitarian need.

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 partnership between Volaris and Cruz Roja is not a new occurrence. For more than eight years, both entities have collaborated through the “Avión Ayuda Volaris” initiative, which has supported the transportation of volunteers, resources, and pharmaceuticals. In 2024 solely, over 500 units of blood were carried in the cabin, assisting more than 1,500 people. With the freshly formed protocol, the amount of blood transported is anticipated to grow considerably, allowing for a faster and more effective reaction to urgent situations.

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.

The National Training and Instruction Center of Cruz Roja has provided training to over 200 Volaris ambassadors, ensuring they are thoroughly equipped to handle emergency and disaster response scenarios.

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.