Turning gratitude into unforgettable moments!
The Les Ailes de la Reconnaissance association offers introductory flights to Var healthcare workers to thank them for their dedication.
Created after the Covid crisis, the Les Ailes de la Reconnaissance association sustains its action by offering introductory flights to healthcare workers.
What began in 2020 as a surge of gratitude towards healthcare staff is today a solidarity initiative well anchored in the non-profit landscape. In 2026, the association « Les Ailes de la Reconnaissance » celebrates its sixth year of existence.
The idea, driven by a pilot and his friends, was to offer an extraordinary day to healthcare workers to thank them for their exceptional dedication. A concrete way to show admiration and gratitude by offering them to take to the skies, both literally and figuratively.
Solidarity
In six years, the success of the operation has remained strong. The association, which counts 37 volunteer members including seven seasoned pilots who provide their six personal planes, boasts a remarkable record: more than 750 introductory flights have been offered.
The approach does not stop with the flight. Aware that the commitment of healthcare workers impacts their entire family, the association has also offered more than two thousand five hundred convivial lunches.
These friendship meals, served in the association's hangar, allow this moment of sharing to be extended to spouses and children, strengthening bonds and collective gratitude.
It also seemed natural to us to make a gesture for all the spouses and children of healthcare workers
Support
To sustain such an initiative, local support proved crucial with, for example, the constant backing of the Ville de La Londe-les-Maures and its elected officials, citing in particular the role of François de Canson: « He has always shown availability, attentiveness and kindness to our association which, in these times of crisis and like many others, only owe their survival to the unwavering support of such committed individuals ».
Recently, the first magistrate of La Londe sent a strong message: « Les Ailes de la Reconnaissance carry a simple and strong message: to thank those who give without counting. By offering introductory flights to healthcare workers, firefighters and all active citizens, the association turns gratitude into unforgettable moments ».
He added: « Beyond the aerial experience, these are moments of sharing, recognition and humanity that are created. I salute the energy of the volunteers, whose exemplary action honors our values of solidarity and proximity. The Ville de La Londe is proud to support this generous approach ».
An expanded action
Faced with the demand and the awareness that the work of healthcare workers is « wonderful, demanding and thankless » throughout the year, the association decided to expand its field of action. Since 2025, introductory flights have also been offered to the Var firefighters, civil protection members and ambulance drivers.
The commitment of Les Ailes de la Reconnaissance also extends to other causes, such as Pink October, blood donation or awareness actions in schools and youth municipal councils.
National recognition
This generosity has found an echo at the highest level of the State. The association is today classified as being of public interest and its founder received the silver award for volunteering in January 2026.
The distinction was presented to him by former minister Michèle Alliot-Marie during a ceremony at the Sénat, in Paris.
An honor that rewarded years of dedication and encourages the volunteers to pursue this « magnificent human adventure », hoping that support from public and private partners will continue in the years to come.
Photo DR.