Qatar Airways Cargo to help deliver UNHCR aid for globally displaced
June 1, 2020: Qatar Airways signed a two-year partnership with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency to deliver humanitarian relief and assistance to the displaced globally.
June 1, 2020: Qatar Airways signed a two-year partnership with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency to deliver humanitarian relief and assistance to the displaced globally.
The partnership, which is a first between both organisations, will involve a collaboration whereby Qatar Airways will support the delivery of crucial aid supplies to those in need. The agreement, which was signed in Doha on May 19, 2020, is a clear response to the current challenges that are presented by Covid-19.
The partnership, which will be effective till May 2022 will see UNHCR working with Qatar Airways to utilise the airline’s hub-and-spoke network out of Hamad International Airport in Doha. By having access to a fleet of more than 200 aircraft, UNHCR will be able to deliver lifesaving support including water, medical care and hygiene materials to keep refugees, internally displaced people and host community members safe around the world.
Announcing two year partnership, #QatarAirways GCEO HE Mr. Akbar Al Baker: “We are incredibly proud to join efforts with @UNHCR to provide relief aid to people and communities most in need.”
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Akbar Al Baker, chief executive, Qatar Airways Group said “We are incredibly proud to join efforts with UNHCR to provide relief aid to people and communities most in need. 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 to several international destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, The Americas, and Oceania from its base at Hamad International Airport and its global network will support UNHCR in reaching an extensive network of vulnerable groups of people. The airline will provide air cargo services for up to 400,000Kgs of essential supplies, which will be distributed to UNHCR operations worldwide.