Since renewing its strong partnership in April 2022, Qatar Airways Cargo and Airlink have delivered 58 shipments on behalf of 22 organisations offering 2.1 million USD in transportation relief, mobilising 351 tonnes of humanitarian supplies to seventeen countries. This translates to an estimated 5.8 million people worldwide.
Much needed aid has been sent to several countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Philippines, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Lebanon, Jordan, Bangladesh, Türkiye and Syria. The types of cargo flown are medicines, medical supplies, hospital beds, solar equipment, nutritional supplements, water and sanitation supplies, tarps, blankets, hygiene kits and food assistance.
The partnership with Qatar Airways Cargo also benefits Airlink’s non-profit partners as well, who assist global communities impacted by disasters and other humanitarian cities around the world.
As part of the renewed contract that is in effect until April 2025, the cargo carrier is expected to mobilise 500 tonnes of relief supplies free of charge.
Steve Smith, Airlink President and CEO, added: “We are deeply grateful to have the support of Qatar Airways Cargo; together we are bringing aid and hope to millions of people. The reach of Qatar Airways Cargo network, and the commitment of the Qatar team, has made it possible for Airlink and our partner network of humanitarian organisations to greatly expand the number of places and people we can help.”
During the pandemic, Qatar Airways Cargo introduced its WeQare programme, its sustainability programme which consists of a series of positive and impactful actions based on the core pillars of sustainability – environment, society, economy and culture. The carrier has launched four chapters so far under this programme, with more chapters to be launched in the coming months. Airlink has a strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework as well that perfectly aligns with Qatar Airways Cargo’s ESG framework.
Airlink is a global humanitarian non-profit organisation delivering critical aid to communities in crisis by providing free airlift and logistical solutions to non-profit partners, changing how the humanitarian community responds to disasters worldwide. Its network includes over 150 aid organisations and more than 50 commercial and charter airlines, said a release.