Airlines - Fly Pink A number of airlines are once again supporting the Fly Pink initiative, which is an initiative originally founded by QantasLink pilots in 2015. It supports breast cancer awareness, early detection, and donations aimed at cancer research. This year, the organisation has additionally partnered with the Movember Foundation to raise funds and awareness for men’s health, including prostate and testicular cancer. Airlines that have engaged in Fly Pink Activity include Condor / Thomas Cook, which allowed pilots and cabin crew to wear epaulettes with pink stripes instead of their usual golden-striped epaulettes and pink accessories such as scarves, ties or pins. Meanwhile two Thomas Cook aircraft have been painted in the campaign’s pink bow motif.
Similarly, for the third year in a row, Porter Airlines pilots and flight attendants are wearing custom Fly Pink epaulets and pins to raise awareness for breast cancer during the month of October. In a series of social media posts, the Canadian airline asks staff why the initiative matters to them, starting with Toronto-based flight attendant Laura Ricketts: “I was diagnosed this year so it’s very significant for me. When I see the Fly Pink epaulets and pins I know that I’m not alone in this fight. It makes me feel stronger. It makes me feel supported. I feel like we’re a family and we’re all in this together.” Finally, Qantas, which originally pioneered the initiative, is once again taking part. Since its launch, the initiative has expanded worldwide with an estimated $500,000 being raised for cancer research.
26 | Airline Marketing Monthly - November 2018
