21 October 2025 – City Cancer Challenge Foundation (C/Can) announces a new three-year partnership with Air Europa, marking a major step in its effort to expand access to quality cancer care. Through an initial donation of miles valued at €200,000 to be redeemed for flights, Air Europa will support C/Can in strengthening capacity development across the C/Can network of 16 cities.
70% of global cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). By 2040, cancer is expected to become the leading cause of death globally, with LMICs carrying the heaviest burden. These figures underscore the urgency of strengthening local health systems and building capacity where the needs are greatest.
This first-of-its-kind collaboration between C/Can and Air Europa Suma, the airline’s loyalty program, will enable more efficient deployment of experts and resources to the places where they are needed most, directly strengthening local health systems and advancing equitable access to cancer care. By covering travel costs for technical cooperation and training, the partnership allows C/Can to reinvest more funds into on-the-ground impact.
Beyond logistics, transportation plays a vital role in breaking barriers to equitable cancer care. Every flight carries more than just passengers, it carries knowledge, compassion, and commitment. Each Air Europa journey becomes a bridge connecting people, expertise and purpose, helping close the gap between regions and realities.
“This partnership marks an exciting milestone for C/Can. Working with Air Europa will help us strengthen local capacity in cancer care while advancing our vision of equitable, quality cancer care for all. Together, we can help ensure that where you live does not determine the quality of care you receive.” – Isabel Mestres, CEO, City Cancer Challenge.
Building Capacity for Lasting Change
Capacity development is a cornerstone of C/Can’s mission to transform cancer care from the ground up. By equipping healthcare professionals and institutions with knowledge, tools and leadership skills, C/Can enables cities to drive sustainable improvements across the cancer care continuum, from diagnostics and treatment to data systems and financing.
While digital learning expands reach, nothing replaces the power of in-person training, where expertise meets empathy and knowledge exchange becomes true collaboration. Air Europa’s support ensures these moments happen where they matter most: in institutions and communities shaping the future of cancer care.
Air Europa’s donation will make it possible for C/Can experts to work side-by-side with local health professionals, fostering hands-on learning, real-time feedback, and stronger community ownership.
Over the next three years, this partnership will support the training of more than 200 healthcare professionals across Latin America, with approximately 25% of sessions delivered in person in C/Can cities, and the remainder offered through e-learning platforms to ensure broader access. It will also facilitate knowledge exchange through Latin America and Spain, strengthening ties between health systems across continents.
The impact of this effort extends beyond those initially trained. Each participant becomes a catalyst for change, sharing knowledge, mentoring peers, and strengthening cancer care within their institutions and communities.
“At Air Europa, we believe that our role as a global airline goes beyond connecting destinations — it’s about connecting people with opportunities, hope, and progress,” said Rafa Brull, Director of Marketing and Product at Air Europa. “Our partnership with City Cancer Challenge reflects our deep commitment to corporate social responsibility and to advancing equitable access to healthcare. We are proud to support a cause as vital and just as the fight against cancer, especially in regions where the need is greatest. By facilitating travel for experts and healthcare professionals, we help remove barriers to knowledge exchange and capacity building, empowering communities to strengthen their cancer care systems. This initiative is a testament to our values and to the impact that purposeful collaboration can achieve.”
A Partnership that Elevates Impact
Every flight supported through the partnership helps deliver expertise where it’s needed most; the cities, to strengthen local leadership, power local health systems, and advance equitable cancer care delivery, one city at a time. Each Air Europa flight becomes a bridge connecting regions, carrying knowledge, compassion, and determination to close the cancer gap.
C/Can is proud to partner with Air Europa Suma in this shared mission, to build stronger, resilient and sustainable health systems, empower local professionals, and ensure that everyone, everywhere has access to quality cancer care.
