Airbus Corporate Foundation established to support environmental, humanitarian and youth activities
The Airbus Corporate Foundation Board of Directors (photo: P. Masclet, Airbus)
Wed 3 Dec 2008 – Airbus has announced the launch of the Airbus Corporate Foundation, which is aimed at facilitating charitable activities worldwide within an international network of employees, associations and international organizations. Starting off with a budget of 2.5 million euros ($3.1m), the foundation will focus its support on the three themes of humanitarian and community support, youth development and the environment.
Airbus President and CEO Tom Enders is to be the foundation’s President of its Board of Directors, who have in turn appointed Andrea Debbané, currently Vice President, Communications Strategy and Strategic Programmes at Airbus, as General Delegate of the foundation. Four international external members have also been appointed for their specific experience in the different fields on which the foundation will focus its activities.
“Airbus is becoming an international company on a global scale. As our business has expanded over the years, so has our charitable support grown to create and undertake projects relevant to local communities around the globe,” commented Enders. “By committing our time and expertise and by focusing our humble resources, Airbus and its employees can support to develop and maintain vibrant, sustainable communities helping to make the world a better place.”
In the field of environment, the foundation is tasked with helping protect, improve and increase awareness of the environment, and support projects that have a particular focus on biodiversity. It will also help young people to develop the skills they will need later in life, in particular fostering cross-cultural and global citizenship. The third theme of the foundation is to provide aid and relief in cases of natural disaster and reaching out to develop local communities where Airbus is present.
Organizations involved in one or more of the areas covered by the foundation are able to ask for aid in a project, which could be a one-off event or a longer-term partnership.
Airbus says the foundation will also be a driver for engaging its employees in projects within their own communities.
“We are certainly inspired by the social engagement of many Airbus employees who are involved in actions of general interest and have supported our numerous humanitarian aid actions in the past. We count on their active involvement in the future and the unique support which can be provided by our network of international customers and suppliers,” said Enders.