In 2021, the National Transplant Organization (ONT) transported 978 organs for transplantation by plane, on private and regular flights. Of these, 23.8% were operated by commercial airlines.
The Iberia Group airlines -Iberia, Iberia Express, and Iberia Regional Air Nostrum- transported 81 organs, and Vueling carried another 74, making the IAG group the main partner of the ONT in Spain, with the shipment of more than 87% of donor organs.
According to data from the ONT, in 2021 Spain returned to its pre-pandemic organ transport activity levels, growing by 8%. Nearly 4,800 patients received transplants: 2,950 kidneys, 1,078 livers, 362 lungs, 302 hearts, 82 pancreases, and 7 intestines. “Behind each one of these figures there is a story, the story of each one of the patients who has seen their life transformed by that second chance offered by the transplant; patients who can look to the future with optimism, with enthusiasm”, says Beatriz Domínguez-Gil, Director of the National Transplant Organization.
The Iberia Group and Vueling collaborate altruistically with the ONT and make it possible for organs to arrive on time and save lives. This is possible “thanks to the generosity of an entire society, our National Health System and the excellent coordination that exists between the different agents involved in the complex organ donation and transplantation process. All the staff of the Iberia Group and Vueling play an essential part in achieving this success”, said Domínguez-Gil.
