Etihad Cargo’s network and capabilities have made the carrier a natural choice for government bodies seeking a partner to facilitate transportation of aid. Variety in aid delivered underscores our flexibility and capability to meet the needs of different crises, despite the challenges and logistical complexities.
Etihad Cargo has demonstrated the commitment to provide humanitarian aid through emergency charters over the past 12 months. Despite the challenges and logistical complexities involved, we have responded to crises around the world, organising 250 charters in collaboration with the UAE government and other partners to carry 1,500 tonnes of emergency aid.
The past year has seen Etihad Cargo’s efforts span across several continents, reflecting the nature of the crises addressed. In the Middle East, Etihad Cargo played a vital role in delivering food and medical supplies to Gaza, underscoring our ability to operate in conflict zones. In Europe, it responded to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine by flying aid to support affected communities. Etihad Cargo organised the transportation of emergency goods out of the USA to critical locations.
Our charters have transported essentials to regions affected by natural disasters, geopolitical unrest, and other emergencies. Key destinations included Asia, where crucial supplies were provided following severe flooding in the Philippines, and Africa, where the company responded to flooding in Nairobi, Kenya, ensuring that aid reached the affected populations.
The aid transported by Etihad Cargo includes a wide range of essentials. Our charters have carried food, medical supplies, clothing, and other items.
Among the food supplies, dates were a common item due to their long shelf life and nutritional value, making them ideal for emergencies where refrigeration is not available. The variety in the aid delivered underscores Etihad Cargo’s flexibility and capability to meet the specific needs of different crises.
Time is of the essence in emergency relief operations, and we have established a mechanism to ensure rapid response. While the international standard for emergency aid delivery is within 72 hours of a disaster, the airline in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to respond within 24 to 48 hours, reducing the response time. This setup allows Etihad Cargo to plan and operate new flights, ensuring that emergency aid reaches those in need without delay. A network of partner operators is on standby to assist with missions that require specific expertise or equipment, such as military aircraft.
Etihad Cargo’s efforts are not limited to recent emergencies. During COVID, we operated 200 charter flights to 30 destinations not covered by our regular network, with 20 per cent of these flights undertaken on the UAE Government’s behalf. These charters delivered aid to countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, and Senegal, among others. Our experience in delivering aid has positioned Etihad Cargo as a vital player in global humanitarian logistics. Our ability to deploy capacity on behalf of any government entity requiring urgent attention underscores the trust and reliability the firm has built over the years.
Etihad Cargo’s dedication to organising charters for emergency aid over the past 12 months highlights the cargo airline’s role in humanitarian efforts. By responding swiftly to crises across multiple continents, Etihad Cargo continues to fulfil its mission of providing timely relief, demonstrating the spirit thereby of compassion and responsibility inherent in our operations.
Stanislaus Brun, Vice President, Etihad Cargo
(The views expressed are solely of the author. The publication may or may not subscribe to the same)
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