Qatar Airways has announced a two-year partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to provide global humanitarian relief and assistance.
The strategic collaboration will see Qatar Airways support the delivery of crucial aid supplies to those most in need due to COVID-19.
The agreement, effective through to May 2022, will see UNHCR and Qatar Airways work closely to utilise the Middle East airline’s hub-and spoke network out of Hamad International Airport in Doha.
The airline will provide air cargo services for up to 400 tonnes of essential supplies, which will be distributed to UNHCR operations worldwide.
Qatar Airways Cargo’s fleet includes two Boeing 747-8 freighters, 21 Boeing 777 freighters and five Airbus A330 freighters.
By having access to a fleet of more than 200 aircraft, UNHCR will be able to deliver water, medical care and hygiene materials to keep safe refugees, internally displaced people and host community members around the world.
Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar Al Baker said: “By having a robust international network, we are pleased to be 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.”
Khaled Khalifa, senior advisor and representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries at UNHCR, said: “As the depths of COVID-19 continue to take the world captive, we never imagined the magnitude its impact would have, or just how many lives it would touch.
“Our primary focus at UNHCR is to safeguard the rights and wellbeing 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 and that is why we are developing key responses to mitigate these challenges, alongside our respected partners Qatar Airways. Together, we must drive action.”
Qatar Airways Cargo flies from Hamad International to several international destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania.
Qatar Airways Cargo has significantly increased operations to support global trade and the transport of essential supplies and relief goods to impacted regions during the pandemic.
The airline’s freight division continues to operate a 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 being operated to multiple countries including China, India, Iran, Kuwait, Lebanon, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Poland, UK, the US and Australia.
