Solairus Funds Corporate Angel Network in 2010

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Private Aviation Firm Launches 2010 Effort to Help Meet CAN Funding Needs 

 

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (January 5, 2010) –  Solairus Aviation today announced the launching of a program to help fund Corporate Angel Network’s (CAN) continued efforts to provide cancer patients with free flights for treatment aboard corporate aircraft.

Solairus will support Corporate Angel Network with a cash contribution equal to 1% of the first year’s management fees for each new aircraft management client it signs up in 2010. The more the Solairus fleet grows, the more funding CAN receives, with no limit to the contributions.

Corporate Angel Network transports between 200 and 250 cancer patients per month using empty seats on participating corporate and fractional aircraft, typically with owners and executives traveling on routine business but also on empty legs. CAN has arranged more than 30,0000 flights since its founding, and has received numerous awards in recognition of its service to cancer patients – including The Volunteer Action Award, the highest volunteer award from the President of the United States.

“CAN needs more lift capacity to help additional patients, but it also needs financial support. Solairus wants to help with both,” said Dan Drohan, Solairus’ Chief Executive Officer. “Just as business jets run on Jet-A, CAN’s Operations Center runs on cash.” Grants and contributions enable CAN’s team of 50 volunteers and 5 paid staff to schedule and coordinate the medical travel needs of cancer patients, so they can travel for critical treatment that may otherwise be unavailable.

“The Solairus team wants to put our support where our heart is,” Drohan continued, “and we’re pledging to help pay for CAN’s efforts to transport cancer patients.” Solairus added 40 aircraft to its fleet in 2009’s down economy and the company expects equally impressive growth for 2010, and that bodes well for CAN as business aviation recovers.

“Cancer is a fact of life, one that touches us all,” stated Peter Fleiss, CAN’s Executive Director. “Our mission is to help cancer patients receive the best possible treatment by using empty seats on corporate jets to transport patients to treatment centers around the country. Solairus’ 2010 Challenge will help us meet our funding needs, and enable us to fly more patients for treatment.”

2010 marks CAN’s 29th year of operation, during which their fleet of more than 500 participating corporations will fly their 35,000th cancer patient to treatment. But with all its success, CAN needs ongoing support, in funding as well as aircraft, to increase its capacity to transport the thousands of additional cancer patients who need assistance.

Solairus became a Corporate Angel Network supporter in October during the 62nd National Business Aviation Association Annual Meeting and Convention, and accounted for nearly 10% of the funds raised for CAN as a successful bidder during the NBAA/CAN Charity Benefit Auction attended by industry leaders and business aircraft owners and operators.

“We recognize the need for companies to do more, particularly in this economy. Non-profits are suffering” Drohan said. “The work that CAN does is near and dear to us at Solairus and we want to support their incredible efforts. We challenge our industry peers to do the same, on behalf of cancer patients throughout the US.”

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