Emirates has set up a humanitarian airbridge to transport Covid relief items from Dubai to India.
The Dubai-based carrier stated that it will offer cargo capacity free of charge on an “as available” basis on all of its flights to nine Indian cities in India. The facility will help international NGOs rapidly deliver relief supplies, where it is needed.
The first shipment sent as part of this initiative is a consignment of over 12 tonnes of multi-purpose tents from the World Health Organisation (WHO), destined for Delhi, and coordinated by the International Humanitarian City (IHC) in Dubai.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates’ chairman and chief executive, said:
“India and Emirates are deeply connected, since our first flights to India in 1985. We stand with the Indian people and will do all we can to help India get back on its feet.
“Emirates has a lot of experience in humanitarian relief efforts, and with 95 weekly flights to nine destinations in India, we will be offering regular and reliable widebody capacity for relief materials.
“The International Humanitarian City in Dubai is the largest crisis relief hub in the world and we will work closely with them to facilitate the movement of urgent medical supplies.”
Giuseppe Saba, CEO of International Humanitarian City, said:
“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid built the International Humanitarian City (IHC), so Dubai, in coordination with humanitarian agencies, would be able to assist communities and families, most in need – around the world.
“The creation of the humanitarian airbridge between Dubai and India, facilitated by Emirates Skycargo, Dubai’s International Humanitarian City and UN agencies, to transport urgent medical and relief items, is another example of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision for the IHC, being brought to life.
“Last year over 1,292 shipments were dispatched from the IHC in Dubai, setting the standard for humanitarian response globally. We appreciate the great efforts by IHC’s partner Emirates Skycargo establishing this humanitarian airbridge between Dubai and India in this time of need”.
