Emirates has launched an air bridge to Lebanon and rolled out a massive humanitarian initiative in the wake of the Beirut explosions which have devastated many parts of the capital city.
The air bridge is to provide critical emergency relief and aid to the hundreds of thousands of people affected by the blasts. Emirates SkyCargo plans to ramp up its freighter operations to Lebanon by
dedicating over 50 flights to deliver much needed airlift to the country. Emirates 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 forapproved shipments, underscoring its commitment to expedite emergencyrelief efforts to Beirut.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive ofEmirates Airline & Group said: “Today, the world is banding together tostand in solidarity with Lebanon, providing urgent relief and immediaterecovery 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. 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 Lebanonthrough the dispatch of several charter flights carrying food, clothingand medical supplies donated by various grassroots organizations in the UAE.
Emirates is committed to being a strong partner by making a difference and giving back to the communities it serves. Through the EmiratesAirline Foundation, the airline supports over 30 humanitarian andphilanthropic projects in 16 countries. Over the years, Emirates hassupported humanitarian flights in partnership with the AirbusFoundation, and since 2013, Emirates A380 ferry flights have transportedover 120 tonnes 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 three times weekly service utilizing a Boeing 727. Today, Emirates operates two daily flights to Beirut utilizing the Boeing 777, with plans to add further frequencies.
Nigeria can also be assured of Emirates’ commitment to being a strong partner by giving back to the communities it serves.
