“We are deeply grateful to have the support of Qatar Airways Cargo; together we are bringing aid and hope to millions of people. The reach of Qatar Airways Cargo network, and the commitment of the Qatar team, has made it possible for Airlink and our partner network of humanitarian organizations to greatly expand the number of places and people we can help.”
— Steven J. Smith, President, and CEO of Airlink
Qatar Airways Cargo and Airlink Play a Vital Role in Responding to Humanitarian Needs
The world’s leading air cargo carrier and disaster response nonprofit Airlink team up to coordinate shipments to several disaster-stricken countries around the world.
Doha, Qatar (July 17, 2023) – Since renewing its strong partnership in April 2022, Qatar Airways Cargo and Airlink have delivered 58 shipments on behalf of 22 organizations offering 2.1 million USD in transportation relief, mobilizing 351 tonnes of humanitarian supplies to seventeen countries. This translates to an estimated 5.8 million people worldwide.
Much needed aid has been sent to several countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Philippines, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Lebanon, Jordan, Bangladesh, Türkiye, and Syria. The types of cargo flown are medicines, medical supplies, hospital beds, solar equipment, nutritional supplements, water and sanitation supplies, tarps, blankets, hygiene kits, and food assistance.
The partnership with Qatar Airways Cargo also benefits Airlink’s nonprofit partners as well who assist global communities impacted by disasters and other humanitarian cities around the world.
As part of the renewed contract that is in effect until April 2025, the cargo carrier is expected to mobilize 500 tonnes of relief supplies free of charge.
Mr. Guillaume Halleux, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways said, “Partnerships are very crucial especially when they are for a noble cause. We are glad to support our trusted and qualified partner Airlink to transport humanitarian cargo, thereby impacting millions of lives globally. Airfreight plays a critical role in responding to crises and supporting the work of governments and NGOs around the world. With our extensive network, charter capabilities and extensive, young and modern fleet as well as support from our dedicated teams worldwide, we are able to support disaster-stricken areas swiftly.”
Steve Smith, Airlink President and CEO added: “We are deeply grateful to have the support of Qatar Airways Cargo; together we are bringing aid and hope to millions of people. The reach of Qatar Airways Cargo network, and the commitment of the Qatar team, has made it possible for Airlink and our partner network of humanitarian organizations to greatly expand the number of places and people we can help.”
During the pandemic, Qatar Airways Cargo introduced its WeQare programme, its sustainability programme which consists of a series of positive and impactful actions based on the core pillars of sustainability – environment, society, economy and culture. The carrier has launched four chapters so far under this programme with more chapters to be launched in the coming months. Airlink has a strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework as well that perfectly aligns with Qatar Airways Cargo’s ESG framework.
About Airlink:
Airlink is a global humanitarian nonprofit organization delivering critical aid to communities in crisis by providing free airlift and logistical solutions to nonprofit partners, changing how the humanitarian community responds to disasters worldwide. Its network includes over 150 aid organizations and more than 50 commercial and charter airlines. Since its inception in 2010, Airlink has flown over 10,000 relief workers and transported nearly 8,000,000 pounds of humanitarian cargo, directly helping over 35 million people impacted by natural and man-made disasters.
About Qatar Airways Cargo:
Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s leading international air cargo carrier is based in Doha, State of Qatar. It serves a global network of more than 70 freighter destinations and more than 150 passenger destinations utilising freighters, belly-hold passenger flights and passenger freighters. The airline’s freighter fleet includes two Boeing 747-8 freighters, two Boeing 747-400 freighters, 26 Boeing 777 freighters and one Airbus A310 freighter. It also has an extensive road feeder service (RFS) network.
With considerable investments in its products, services, quality handling, infrastructure, facilities, people and procedures at each of its destinations, the cargo carrier provides high operating standards for the transportation of cargo. Qatar Airways Cargo remains committed to sustainability and giving back to communities it serves through its sustainability programme WeQare, built on the key pillars of sustainability: environment, society, economy, and culture.
