BlueLight claims to be the world’s first airline focusing on humanitarian aid, not on profits. Its noble motto: Supporting human dignity in a world where no call goes unanswered and no life is beyond reach regardless of skin color, religion or geopolitical stance. Its mission: Providing unparalleled air transport for humanitarian efforts across the globe.
These are honorable, almost selfless goals that BlueLight’s management has set itself. It is headed by Pierre Bernheim and Waleed Rawat. While Pierre Bernheim, a former pilot and Chairman of Geneva Airport, acts as President and CFO, his partner, Waleed Rawat serves as VP and Chief Growth Officer. Together, these two philanthropists incepted BlueLight in Geneva. Their project is supported by seasoned professionals from aviation, medicine, humanitarian aid, global logistics, and the medical organization Médecins Sans Frontières.
Starting with two aircraft
On its website, the newcomer states that it intends to operate a fleet of three Airbus A340-300 and three Airbus A321P2F. The assets also include UAV drones that can carry payloads of up to 500 kg over distances of more than 800 km to supply remote areas. However, initially only two aircraft will be used: an A321 for destinations in crisis areas in the Middle East or Africa, while the larger A340-300 will be converted into a flying hospital and, as a combi version, can also be utilized to carry nutrition or relief supplies to crisis and disaster areas wherever needed.
The two jetliners will be based in Liège and Geneva respectively. According to reports in local Swiss media, further stations are to be set up in North America and Asia. Management states that BlueLight will be on standby 24/7, requiring 72 hours to get its aircraft airborne. In terms of transport prices, the company speaks of stable rates at a level of 30% below market average.
Each donation translates into missions accomplished
According to management, process transparency and environmental aspects play a central role. For this reason, BlueLight has entered into a partnership with Verdeo, a well-known name in traceability and carbon offsetting technology. “Together, we are developing a tailor-made, real-time dashboard, powered by Verdeo’s proprietary platform, giving all stakeholders full visibility on how each dollar received translates into missions flown, lives saved, critical supplies delivered, and carbon emissions offset. This innovative tool ensures end-to-end accountability, reinforcing our promise to deliver measurable, credible, and transparent humanitarian impact,” is stated on the carrier’s website.
Encouraging Endorsements
Meanwhile, the project has attracted interest from local politicians and authorities, as these two endorsements show: “As a dedicated non-profit humanitarian airline, BlueLight’s initiative would align with Switzerland’s commitment to fast and principled humanitarian emergency relief. By addressing logistical gaps in emergency aid delivery systems, BlueLight envisages timely, cost-efficient and effective support for vulnerable communities,” applauds Dominik Stillhart, Deputy Director General Swiss Department for Development and Cooperation and Head of Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit.
And Beatrice Ferrari, Director of International Affairs for the Republic and Canton of Geneva, confirms her organization’s support for the project: “Given the funding difficulties currently faced by many humanitarian organizations, BlueLight would enable them to reduce some of their transportation costs and thus optimize the use of their funds for activities in fragile contexts.
Following several meetings, the Department of International Affairs was able to ascertain the relevance of the BlueLight project, as well as the professionalism and competence of its team. That is why the Department of International Affairs wishes to express its support for BlueLight and encourage the implementation of its project, which will have a beneficial impact on the international community’s ability to respond to global crises.”
