Angel Flight will turn its extensive network of volunteer pilots and ground workers toward moving medical samples, equipment and people as a way of combatting COVID-19.
CEO Marjorie Pagani said today that Angel Flight would step in to help remote communities where regional airline services are not available.
"Due to the increasing need to help isolated communities, we are extending our free volunteer flights to include vital medical or health supplies and extended compassionate flights where needed," Pagani said.
"This has become a substantial need and will increase with the closure of many regional flight services. We are also working to assist people to get to remote clinics where no commercial regular public transport activities or charter flights are available."
Angel Flight has played a vital role for 17 years in assisting rural and remote families to travel to city hospitals for non-emergency medical appointments. More than 100,000 people across Australia have taken advantage of the organisation since it was founded.
"The benefit [of Angel Flight] has, and continues to be, inestimable in both welfare and financial aspects," Pagani said. "We do not ask for government funding, or fund-raise, although the value to the community–without any call on public monies–exceeds $70 million."
Inquiries as to the extent of the assistance Angel Flight can render, without cost to government or the recipients of the travel or equipment, can be directed to the Angel Flight office on (07) 3620 8300 or email mail@angelflight.org.au.