Qatar Airways is proud and honoured to announce a two-year partnership with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to deliver relief and assistance to the displaced, globally.
The partnership, which is a first between the two organisations, will involve a strategic collaboration where Qatar Airways will support with the delivery of crucial aid supplies to people most in need during these unprecedented times.
The agreement, which was signed in Doha recently is a clear response to the current challenges that are presented by COVID-19. The partnership, which will be effective through to May 2022 will see UNHCR work closely with Qatar Airways to utilise Hamad International Airport in Doha. By having access to a fleet of more than 200 aircraft, UNHCR will be able to deliver life-saving support including water, medical care and hygiene materials to keep refugees, internally displaced people and host community members, safe around the world.
Speaking about the new partnership, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive HE Akbar Al Baker said they are incredibly proud to join efforts with UNHCR to provide relief to people and communities most in need. He said that by having a robust international network, they are able to give a helping hand to support this great cause.
During this crisis, we have worked closely with governments and NGOs to prioritise the shipment of medical and aid supplies transporting over 175,000 tonnes, the equivalent of approximately 1,750 fully loaded Boeing 777 freighters.
We are committed to making a difference and by working together, we are confident we will overcome the current adversities with strength, solidarity and resilience.
Speaking on the current challenges presented, Khaled Khalifa, Senior Advisor and Representative to the GCC Countries at UNHCR said that COVID-19 continue to take the world captive.
He said that their primary focus at UNHCR is to safeguard the rights and well-being of the most marginalised and vulnerable members of society.
It is times like these when we must take action and strive to find lasting solutions, which is why our partnership with Qatar Airways is crucial.
With limited access to water, sanitation systems and health facilities, refugees are particularly at risk right now, which is why they are developing key responses to mitigate these challenges, alongside their respected partners Qatar Airways. Together, he said that they must drive action.
Qatar Airways Cargo flies to several international destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania, from its base at Hamad International Airport. Its global network will support UNHCR in reaching an extensive network of vulnerable groups and provide air cargo services for up to 400,000 kg of essential supplies, which will be distributed to UNHCR operations worldwide.
Qatar Airways Cargo has also significantly increased operations to support global trade and the transport of essential supplies and relief goods to impacted regions. The airline’s freight division continues to operate a significant cargo schedule with approximately 180 cargo flights per day. In addition to operating scheduled freighters and belly-hold passenger flights, the cargo carrier is also utilising passenger aircraft to carry freight only and operating special freight charters to maintain vital global supply chains.
Freight charters are operated to multiple countries including China, India, Iran, Kuwait, Lebanon, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Poland, United Kingdom, the United States and Australia.
For updates and more information about Qatar Airways Cargo, visit qrcargo.com.
