FlyPink is an initiative started by Qantaslink Captain Susan McHaffie whose aunt was diagnosed and beat breast cancer. Joining the airline in 2013, Susan was inspired by the National Breast Cancer Foundation-branded pink Qantaslink aircraft to find a way to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research that would encourage airlines around the world to join together for the cause.
The launch of FlyPink last year saw more than 3,000 Qantas Group pilots swap their normal gold epaulettes (shoulder stripes) for pink epaulettes. This year, they will be joined by Qantas and Qantaslink cabin crew who will swap their silver wing badges for pink, customer service agents in our airports and lounges will wear pink ribbons and ground crew will wear pink caps.
"With more of our team members involved this year, I have high hopes that together we can raise AU$100,000 for breast cancer research," she said.
"My ultimate aim is to see other airlines around the world joining us in support of FlyPink. I hope this October I'll walk past a pilot I don't know in an international airport wearing pink epaulettes in support of breast cancer research."
Qantaslink Chief Pilot, Captain Adrian Young said Qantas was proud to continue its support of FlyPink.
"Qantas is really proud to show our support for a terrific initiative that was the brainchild of one of our own pilots, and most importantly help raise vital funds for breast cancer research," he said.
"As a global carrier, we will support our crew both on the ground and in the air to take the FlyPink initiative from Australia to the world, and are challenging other airlines to join us."
The NBCF welcomed the initiative and thanked Qantas for their generosity. Proceeds from the Qantas FlyPink campaign will directly support NBCF's life-changing breast cancer research projects around Australia.
Every day in 2016, 44 Australian women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer and eight women die from the disease, leaving countless families devastated. The only way to solve this is to improve how breast cancer is managed and treated through targeted and robust research. Funding breast cancer research means that all Australians with the disease will live longer and better lives, ultimately preventing deaths So far, NBCF funded research has helped develop better therapies, greater understanding of possible ways to stop the spread of breast cancer to other areas, and improved quality of life for patients and their families.
Pink epaulettes, pink wings, pink ribbons and pink caps will be available to all 3,300 Qantas Group pilots, 7,000 Qantas and Qantaslink cabin crew, 2,500 airport and lounge team members and 2,000 ground crew, who are encouraged to make a donation and wear pink with pride in October.
Qantas employees will use the month of October to raise money through a number of other activities including National Breast Cancer Foundation collection tins in employee areas and FlyPink themed breakfasts around the country.
FlyPink branded snack boxes and cupcakes will be served on Qantas and Qantaslink flights, as well as pink biscuits and cocktails in the domestic Business Lounges in support of the campaign.
Customers and Qantas employees can support FlyPink by donating to www.flypink.net #WeFlyPink #showyoursupport
Qantas Group pilots who will wear pink epaulettes include Qantas, Qantaslink, Jetstar, JetConnect, Cobham, Network Aviation and Express Freighters Australia.
Contributed by Qantas Airways Limited
