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At Appricotsoft, we are deeply committed to leveraging technology for impactful causes. When the team behind WayToUA approached us to help build a virtual airline ticket platform for their unique charity initiative, we were honored to contribute to a project that combines hope, solidarity, and future rebuilding efforts for Ukraine.
As war devastates cities and communities across Ukraine, WayToUA aims to look beyond immediate needs and focus on reconstruction efforts. This initiative allows users to buy symbolic airline tickets to some of Ukraine’s most heavily impacted cities, with all proceeds going directly toward rebuilding those specific areas.
Here’s how we worked with WayToUA to make this incredible project a reality.
The Idea Behind WayToUA
WayToUA was born out of the desire to create something more than just another charity campaign. Co-founded by Volodymyr Turchak and Karolina Matviiv, WayToUA’s mission is to raise awareness and funds for the reconstruction of Ukraine by offering virtual flights to the country’s 42 most affected cities, including Mariupol, Bucha, and Volodymyr’s hometown of Okhtyrka.
The concept is simple but powerful: users purchase virtual tickets to these cities as a symbol of hope for peace and future recovery. The platform looks and feels like a traditional budget airline site—users choose their city, select their ticket class, and after purchasing, they receive a virtual boarding pass. Proceeds from each ticket go directly toward the reconstruction of the chosen city, helping to rebuild hospitals, infrastructure, and homes.
The Challenge: Building the Virtual Ticket Platform
WayToUA approached Appricotsoft with a clear challenge: they needed a platform that could allow users to engage in a symbolic journey while simultaneously raising critical funds for reconstruction. The platform needed to be:
- Intuitive and engaging: Users should feel as though they are booking a real flight, complete with a boarding pass that they could share on social media.
- Secure and seamless: It needed to securely process donations and link each purchase to the specific city selected by the user.
- Scalable and future-proof: The platform would need to handle a large number of users and grow as the project expands.
Project Scope and Key Deliverables
Our team of developers worked on creating a comprehensive virtual airline booking platform, from design to backend integration. Here’s a look at the key elements we delivered:
Frontend Development:
Flight Selection & Virtual Booking: Users can choose from 42 cities in Ukraine, select their preferred class of travel, and purchase a virtual ticket. Each ticket is symbolic, with proceeds going directly to rebuilding the chosen city.
Digital Boarding Pass: After purchase, users receive a virtual boarding pass, which they can add to Apple Wallet or share on social media, amplifying the message of hope and solidarity.
Backend Development:
Donation Processing: We implemented a secure payment gateway to handle ticket purchases, ensuring that all funds are directed to the appropriate cities and reconstruction efforts.
City-Specific Donations: A key feature of the platform is that users’ donations go directly to the city they’ve chosen to “fly” to. We designed the system to ensure transparency in fund allocation, making sure each city benefits from the donations made in its name.
Scalability and Future Growth:
The platform was built with future growth in mind, allowing for scalability as the project expands to include more features or cities. WayToUA’s founders envision this platform evolving over time to support ongoing recovery efforts in Ukraine.
Results & Feedback
Positive Outcomes from the Project
The WayToUA platform has received an overwhelmingly positive response, both from users and the communities it aims to support. Some key outcomes include:
- Global Engagement: People from around the world have bought virtual tickets, raising significant awareness for Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. The symbolic boarding passes shared on social media have helped spread the message of hope and resilience.
- Funds Raised for Reconstruction: Each ticket sold translates into real impact, with donations going directly toward the rebuilding of cities like Mariupol, Bucha, and Okhtyrka. These funds will help repair hospitals, rebuild homes, and restore essential infrastructure.
- A Unique Charity Experience: By turning donations into a meaningful, shareable experience, WayToUA has created a charity initiative that resonates with people on a deeply emotional level.
Project Management & Communication
WayToUA praised our team’s ability to stay organized, responsive, and committed to their mission. Our project management was key to delivering the platform on time, ensuring that every feature worked seamlessly from day one. We maintained close communication with the WayToUA team, providing regular updates and being flexible with any changes or new ideas.
What Made This Project Special
What makes WayToUA unique is the emotional connection it creates with users. Instead of a traditional donation platform, WayToUA gives people a way to symbolize their hope for Ukraine’s recovery through a virtual journey. The fact that each donation is tied to a specific city adds a personal touch, allowing users to feel like they’re directly contributing to rebuilding a part of the country.
Our work on the virtual airline ticket platform allowed us to combine our technical skills with a cause that matters. The project’s success has inspired us to continue seeking out opportunities where technology can be used for positive social impact.
Final Thoughts
The WayToUA project is a shining example of how technology can be used to create innovative solutions that make a real difference. At Appricotsoft, we are incredibly proud of the role we played in bringing this platform to life. It’s more than just a booking system—it’s a symbol of hope, unity, and the power of global support for Ukraine.
If you’re working on a project that combines technology with social good, we’d love to collaborate with you. Contact Appricotsoft today to see how we can help turn your vision into reality.