Emirates dedicates over 50 flights to deliver much needed emergency relief support to Lebanon
DUBAI: As Lebanon reels from the impact of the recent devastating explosions at the Port of Beirut that rolled out through a significant part of its capital Beirut, Emirates SkyCargo took a stand to provide it with critical emergency relief and aid, dedicating over 50 flights to deliver much needed airlift to the country.
Emirates said it is also providing people around the world the opportunity to donate cash or pledge their Skywards Miles, through a dedicated, secure and convenient portal via the Emirates Airline Foundation.
For the next three months of donations, the Emirates Airline Foundation will in turn directly coordinate shipments of urgent food, medical supplies and other much needed items with a range of NGO partners to ensure donations directly help those affected on the ground in a swift and transparent manner. Work is underway to mobilize recognized humanitarian partners.
For every donation, cargo capacity will be provided for humanitarian organizations to transport critical medical equipment and supplies, food and other emergency relief goods directly to Beirut through Emirates SkyCargo. Additionally, Emirates SkyCargo will further contribute by providing a 20% reduction on air freight transportation charges for approved shipments, underscoring its commitment to expedite emergency relief efforts to Beirut.
“Today, the world is banding together to stand in solidarity with Lebanon, providing urgent relief and immediate recovery support to those affected by this tragic disaster. Emirates supports the UAE’s ongoing humanitarian efforts to support Lebanon and is committed to bolster its global emergency response to ensure that it can support organizations which provide urgent care, shelter, food and medical support to the Lebanese people,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group.
“People from all corners of the globe have been sending their support to Lebanon and we are proud to facilitate a means for them to tangibly and proactively assist the Lebanese people with relief and recovery efforts on the ground during this difficult time.”
Emirates has already been supporting disaster relief efforts in Lebanon through the dispatch of several charter flights carrying food, clothing and medical supplies donated by various grassroots organizations in the UAE.
Emirates said it is committed to being a strong partner by making a difference and giving back to the communities it serves. Through the Emirates Airline Foundation, the airline supports over 30 humanitarian and philanthropic projects in 16 countries.
Over the years, Emirates has supported humanitarian flights in partnership with the Airbus Foundation, and since 2013, Emirates A380 ferry flights have transported over 120 tons of food and vital emergency equipment to those in need.
Emirates has been serving Lebanese skies and communities since 1991. The airline started its operations between Dubai and Beirut with a thrice weekly service utilizing a Boeing 727. Today, Emirates operates two daily flights to Beirut utilizing the Boeing 777, with plans to add further frequencies.
