Vueling, the leading airline in the transport of organs for transplants

Organ transport is a critical process in the donation and transplant system, where speed and precision can make the difference between life and death. In this context, Vueling, an airline part of the IAG group, has established itself as a key player in transplant logistics in Spain. Since 2013, the company has carried out more than 1,000 organ transfers in collaboration with the National Transplant Organization (ONT), making it the airline that transports the most organs to the country.

The collaboration between Vueling and the ONT is important to ensure that the donation and transplant process is as effective and coordinated as possible. By integrating their infrastructure and logistical resources, optimizing response times, and improving coordination, the positive impact of donation and the possibilities of each transplant are maximized.

The impact of air transport on transplants

Vueling has an internal protocol to provide a rapid and efficient response as soon as they receive notification of an organ transfer. This commitment "arises from our desire to put our wings to work when they are most needed," explains Sandra Hors, Director of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Sustainability at Vueling. From receiving the request to final delivery at the hospital, every stage is carried out under the highest safety standards.

Organ transport is a highly delicate procedure. Each organ has a limited shelf life outside the human body, making the speed of the transfer a decisive factor: "At the ONT, an average of seven donors and 17 transplants are registered every day. The role of airline operators and our collaboration with commercial airlines like Vueling is fundamental to ensuring that donor organs reach the patients who need them in adequate condition," explains Beatriz Domínguez-Gil, Director of the ONT.

Long distances within Spain make air transport the best option in many cases. For journeys over 300 kilometers, flying is the best alternative, allowing organs to arrive in a matter of hours instead of requiring road transfers that could compromise their viability. In this sense, Barcelona is one of the cities with the highest number of transfers due to its high volume of transplants.

Thanks to its extensive flight network and the speed with which transfers can be activated, Vueling has significantly contributed to improving the efficiency of the donation and transplant system in the country. Responsiveness is key: from the moment the need for a transfer is confirmed until the organ arrives at its destination, an operation is launched that involves multiple teams and resources to ensure the success of the intervention.

Vueling, an airline committed to society

In addition to being one of the leading airlines in terms of connectivity within and outside Spain, Vueling has made a strong social commitment in various areas. The company operates more than 220 routes in 30 countries and is actively working to reduce its environmental footprint within the aviation sector.

Organ transport is just one of the initiatives with which Vueling contributes to society, demonstrating that its activity goes beyond passenger transport. Its collaboration with the ONT is an example of how cooperation between the private and public sectors can have a direct impact on people's lives, helping to save lives and improving the effectiveness of the healthcare system.