Qatar Airways on Thursday said that it is supporting international efforts to tackle the second COVID-19 surge in India by shipping medical aid and equipment to the country free of charge from global suppliers.
The airline intends to transport 300 tonnes of aid from across its global network to Doha where it will be flown in a three-flight cargo aircraft convoy directly to destinations in India where it is most desperately needed.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker said: "The State of Qatar has a long and special relationship with India, and we have watched with great sorrow as COVID-19 has once again caused a significant challenge to the country. As one of the world air cargo leaders, with an extensive international network, we stand ready to provide humtarian support by transporting these much-needed supplies and help the country fight back against this appalling virus."
Qatar Airways Cargo has already transported well over 20 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for UNICEF as part of the five-year MoU to support UNICEF's Humtarian Airfreight Initiative, Al Baker added.
The cargo shipment will include PPE equipment, oxygen csters, and other essential medical items, and consists of donations by individuals and compes around the world in addition to existing cargo orders.
The surge in the COVID-19 cases continues to affect India as the country recorded 3,79,257 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. This is the highest single-day spike in the cases since the pandemic began last year.
( With inputs from ANI )
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