Flying for a good cause: Corporate Angel Network

Bombardier has supported the Corporate Angel Network since 1984, with many patients being flown on participating Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft. 

Every month, the Corporate Angel Network (CAN) arranges more than 150 flights for U.S. cancer patients who must travel great distances for lifesaving treatment.  

Founded in 1981 by two cancer survivors who understood the challenges of travelling to specialized medical care, CAN is based on a simple premise: Corporate aircraft regularly fly to the places patients need to go, often with several empty seats on board. 

Today, CAN partners with 500+ companies who donate empty seats in their jet or turboprop aircraft to patients and their companions. More than 70,000 cancer patient flights have been completed to major treatment centres in cities like Houston, New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago and Seattle.  

Many of those patients have been flown on Bombardier Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft. In fact, Bombardier has been a proud CAN supporter since 1984, donating empty leg flights and contributing operational expertise through executive participation on the CAN board of directors.  

How can you get involved?

Cancer never sleeps, and CAN is always looking for corporate partners who fly two-crew pressurized jet and turboprop aircraft.  

Getting started is simple. Organizations share their flight schedules with CAN, who pre-screens patient requests and works to pair them with available transportation. When a match is found, CAN contacts the company, which can accept or decline the flight. There is no obligation – accepting a flight is at the sole discretion of the aircraft owner/operator and they can do as many as they like.  There are no additional insurance requirements and no added costs to the company, as the flight is already scheduled and operating regardless of patient participation.  

To qualify, patients must be able to walk up aircraft stairs unassisted and fly without any medical assistance. Often, they are travelling with a family member or caregiver, so additional seats may be required.  

To connect with CAN, reach out to Vice President of Strategy, Programs and Outreach, Courtney Easton (ceaston@corpangelnetwork.org), or simply fill out this form and a representative will contact you.  

To find out more, see these Frequently Asked Questions.