Airline joins forces with UNICEF to help change children’s lives

Airline easyJet and the world’s leading children’s organisation UNICEF have announced the new phase of their partnership to support UNICEF’s goal of ensuring all children at primary and lower secondary levels are enrolled in school by 2030.

easyJet and UNICEF’s ‘Every Child Can Fly’ campaign will raise vital funds to change millions of children’s lives, including contributing to UNICEF's target of providing access to learning opportunities for 114 million children and digital education for 148.6 million children around the world. 

The onboard collection by easyJet’s cabin crew is now running in time for the busy holiday period, which will see the airline fly over five million customers across its network, who will have the opportunity to donate onboard around 40,000 flights towards the ‘Every Child Can Fly’ campaign and support UNICEF’s work in education.

In 2022, 70 per cent of 10-year-olds in low- and middle-income countries could not read and understand simple text. This figure has worsened by 13 per cent since COVID-19 school closures.

UNICEF’s education roadmap aims to tackle the current global learning crisis by helping to ensure all children have the right to a quality education, including during emergencies.

The new 'Every Child Can Fly' campaign will deliver fundraising efforts in the coming years to support UNICEF’s aspiration to achieve every child's universal right to learn by 2030.

Johan Lundgren, easyJet CEO, said: “We are incredibly proud to be launching our new ‘Every Child Can Fly’ partnership with UNICEF, which will support the delivery of impactful programmes to help children shape their future, alongside UNICEF’s crucial work protecting children in times of emergency. 

“It has been a privilege to have supported UNICEF for over a decade during which time our customers and crew have raised almost £17 million onboard our flights. I would like to thank any customers who are able to donate this Easter for their kindness and generosity in helping make a real difference to the lives of millions of children around the world.”

Jon Sparkes, chief executive at The UK National Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) said: “Children around the world are affected by a growing learning crisis. Only 30 per cent of 10-year-olds from low- and middle- income countries can read a simple sentence. Today, more than ever, children and their futures need to be protected.

“Thanks to partners such as easyJet, UNICEF works around the clock to support children and build innovative programmes that give the most vulnerable children in accessing their right to learn.

“I would like to use this opportunity to thank the incredible team at easyJet for continuing to stand by children, as we announce the new phase of our partnership into the coming years. With enhanced access to quality education, every child can fly.”

Since 2012, easyJet customers and cabin crew have raised nearly £17 million towards UNICEF’s appeals, enabling the child rights organisation to protect millions of children around the world from disease and keep them safe during emergencies.

With the new partnership, easyJet has also become a Founding Member of UNICEF UK’s Emergency Alliance alongside other businesses to support the delivery of UNICEF’s life-saving work in emergency settings.