Following in the steps of Qatar Airways, Emirates will launch a humanitarian “airbridge” to India to deliver vital medical supplies at no charge.
Emirates Launches Humanitarian Airbridge To India
Earlier this month, Qatar Airways delivered 300 tonnes of medical supplies to India at no charge. These vital resources, assembled by humanitarian NGOs and delivered by Qatar Airways, have helped India battle it current surge of COVID-19 cases in a nation with a medical infrastructure wholly unable to cope with the sudden surge in hospital care required. Sadly, many reports have detailed patients dying outside of hospitals because there was not beds or oxygen tanks available.
This week, Emirates launched its own humanitarian mission it calls an “airbridge” to India. Emirates serves nine cities in India, including:
- Ahmedabad (AMD)
- Bengaluru (BLR)
- Chennai (MAA)
- Cochin (COK)
- Hyderabad (HYD)
- Kolkata (CCU)
- Mumbai (BOM)
- New Delhi (DEL)
- Trivandrum (TRV)
Starting immediately, Emirates will coordinate with International Humanitarian City, a cargo hub in Dubai focused on humanitarian aid, to deliver supplies on behalf of the UN World Health Organization and other humanitarian NGOs. Those include:
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Vaccines
- Medication
- Oxygen tanks
- Food + shelter
These are not special flights or unrestricted cargo allotments but, in a sense, the leftover space Emirates has after fulfilling its own cargo commitments. Its first shipment will be 12 tonnes on tents this week.
CONCLUSION
Airlines around the world are stepping up to help deliver much-needed medical and other supplies to India. Emirates if of particular importance because of its 95 weekly flights to India, providing a far greater opportunity than any other airline to help get India over its current hurdle.
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