QA, UNHCR join hands to deliver humanitarian aid

QATAR Airways has announced a two-year partnership with UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, to deliver humanitarian relief and assistance to the displaced globally.

The partnership, which is a first between both the organisations, will involve a strategic collaboration whereby Qatar Airways will provide support with the delivery of crucial aid supplies to those most in need during these unprecedented times.

The agreement, which was signed in Doha on May 19, is an important synergy between Qatar Airways and UNHCR and 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 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.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker 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.”

THE QA chief said, “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 about the current challenges presented, 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 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 400,000 kilograms of essential supplies, which will be distributed to UNHCR operations worldwide.

During this time of crisis, Qatar Airways Cargo has 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.