Headquartered in Geneva — long regarded as the international capital of humanitarian diplomacy — BlueLight has been established to address one of the most persistent challenges in crisis response: the shortage of neutral, cost-effective, and scalable air mobility solutions capable of delivering assistance swiftly to those most in need.

BlueLight’s operational model integrates cargo, passenger, and air ambulance capabilities within a single fleet, allowing rapid, coordinated deployment in emergencies. Each aircraft will be configured to carry more than 50 tonnes of humanitarian cargo, seat up to 200 response personnel, and serve as an airborne medical unit equipped for emergency trauma care.

Pierre Bernheim, Co-Founder of BlueLight, said:

“We built BlueLight because too many communities still wait too long. When lives depend on speed, reliability, and neutrality, the world cannot afford delays caused by bureaucracy, politics, or profit. BlueLight exists to ensure that help arrives — wherever and whenever it is needed.”

The airline’s initial fleet will include Airbus A340-300 and A321P2F aircraft, maintained to full commercial aviation standards. In addition, BlueLight is developing a next-generation uncrewed aerial delivery system capable of transporting up to 500 kg of supplies over an 800-kilometre range — designed to reach areas where runways are damaged or inaccessible.

Co-Founder Waleed Rawat described BlueLight as “a humanitarian infrastructure for the 21st century — agile, neutral, and built for transparency.” He added:

“Our purpose is not scale for its own sake, but service at its most essential. We are aligning the discipline of commercial aviation with the compassion of humanitarian work.”

Bernheim and Rawat bring deep aviation and business leadership experience to the initiative. Bernheim, a qualified pilot and former President of Geneva Airport, has also served as a strategy advisor to Vontobel Bank. Rawat, an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) holder, is CEO of WAIR Global and represents the fourth generation of the international HM Rawat Group — a family enterprise with interests in aviation, energy, and development.

BlueLight’s first phase of operations is targeted for 2026, following the fundraising of an initial US$55 million to acquire and convert three wide-body aircraft for humanitarian service. The project has been officially endorsed by the Federal Government of Switzerland and the Canton of Geneva, recognising its innovation and national significance within the aviation sector.

In collaboration with leading NGOs, international relief agencies, and strategic partners including Airbus, Geneva Airport, and JORAMCO, BlueLight is working to establish an integrated humanitarian air network based in Switzerland.

The airline will operate on a fixed-rate model, providing predictable and transparent costs — often below market rates — ensuring equal access for all partners, from governments to humanitarian organisations.

Sustainability is embedded in BlueLight’s mission from the outset. The airline plans to incorporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and carbon-offset initiatives, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Swiss federal sustainability frameworks.

“This is not a symbolic launch — it’s an operational one,” Bernheim added. “Our goal is to provide governments, NGOs, and humanitarian agencies with an immediate, reliable airlift capability that upholds both efficiency and dignity. The principle is simple: no call for help should ever go unanswered.”

The initiative has already received international recognition, having been selected by the APEX Foundation as one of four beneficiaries of its annual Purpose Beyond Service charity gala — a testament to the credibility and ambition of its mission.

About BlueLight
Based in Geneva, BlueLight Humanitarian Airlines aims to transform humanitarian response through agile air mobility, delivering life-saving aid swiftly, independently, and with integrity. Guided by principles of transparency and human dignity, BlueLight serves as a beacon of hope in times of crisis — ensuring no community is beyond reach.