Delta, Red Cross partner to support Saipan relief efforts

Delta Air Lines is partnering with the American Red Cross through its Annual Disaster Giving Program, which allows Delta and the American Red Cross to be proactive in emergency disaster response, to support immediate relief efforts like the current typhoon response underway on Saipan.

After Typhoon Soudelor made landfall over the weekend on the Islands of Saipan and Tinian, both part of the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Delta set up a microsite through the airline’s partnership with the American Red Cross so that Delta employees worldwide could make a donation to support international services and the disaster relief effort.

The American Red Cross is helping people on Saipan after Typhoon Soudelor slammed into the island with winds higher than 90 miles per hour. Red Cross workers are providing cots and generators to support government shelters as the damage assessment continues and most of the island is without power, including Saipan’s Red Cross office.

The American Red Cross is Delta’s longest-standing nonprofit partner. The partnership has allowed the airline, its customers and employees to help those in need for more than 70 years.  In the past year alone, Delta people have donated 6,642 pints of blood to the American Red Cross, making Delta one of the largest corporate blood donors.

“As the only airline operating scheduled nonstop flights between Saipan and Tokyo, Delta is committed to help people affected by Typhoon Soudelor,” said Vinay Dube, senior vice president – Asia-Pacific. “We’ve already started delivering relief products to Saipan on our flights and continue the effort with our employees and American Red Cross.”

As people are affected by crises around the world, donations to the American Red Cross help to ensure that those individuals, families and communities who are most in need are helped quickly.

“Delta Air Lines is a highly-valued corporate partner of the American Red Cross, and we are proud of this partnership,” said Gary Key, vice president, Southeast & Caribbean Division of the American Red Cross. “Delta’s annual commitment as a member of the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program allows the Red Cross to respond at a moment’s notice to help people affected by disasters, like the typhoon that has that has affected many Pacific islands.  In addition, Delta team members have stood by our side, volunteering during disasters and rolling up their sleeves to give much-needed blood, saving lives across the country.”

Due to stringent international security and customs requirements, Delta can only accept relief cargo shipments through pre-approved relief organizations including the American Red Cross. At this time, the Red Cross has requested monetary donations. Customers wishing to contribute in other ways should clear these requests through the Red Cross.
 
Impact to NRT-SPN flight operation

Delta’s operation has been impacted by Typhoon Soudelor and cancelled seven round trips (14 one way flights) between Tokyo-Narita and Saipan since Aug. 2. On Aug. 5 and 6, Delta operated B747 with 376 seats to accommodate impacted passengers on Saipan. Delta is closely working with local airport authority and adjusts flight schedule as necessary, due to the current operational limitation at the Saipan International Airport. (Delta)