- British Airways and its sister company IAG Cargo partner with Air bp, NATS, HAL and Indian ground handlers to support the humanitarian relief effort spearheaded by charities including Oxfam, Khalsa Aid, LPSUK and Christian Aid
- Boeing 777-200 cargo aircraft full of critical care equipment, PPE and oxygen concentrators
- 10 days needed to plan, load and fly plane full of vital equipment
A British Airways relief flight has touched down in India for the second time in two weeks as the crisis continues to grip India. The cargo only flight (BA257F) departed London at 5pm on Friday 21 May and landed in Delhi at 5.45am (local time) this morning.
The total weight of the medical aid was 18 tonnes, made up of five thousand pieces. Amongst the medical equipment were hundreds of oxygen concentrators from charities including Oxfam, Khalsa Aid, Christian Aid and LPSUK. Fuel partner, Air bp supported the flight and British Airways has ensured the flight is carbon offset.
Danny Sriskandarajah, Chief Executive of Oxfam GB, said: “We’re hugely grateful to British Airways for providing this free cargo space to transport vital aid like PPE and oxygen concentrators to India, where Oxfam and partners are delivering urgent medical supplies to hospitals and health centres in some of the worst-hit areas.
“This emergency kit could mean the difference between life and death for people in India facing a deadly second wave of coronavirus.
“Oxfam is able to respond in India thanks to the generous support of partners such as British Airways and all those who have donated to our emergency appeal.”
Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and Chief Executive, said: “Earlier this week, we welcomed customers back on board as international travel starts to open up, but we are mindful that the fight against Covid-19 is not over yet.
Our business has a deep connection with India, it is only right that we continue to support by joining our travel and charity partners to transport much needed medical equipment to India.”
British Airways and IAG Cargo have continued to keep vital air links open between London and India throughout the pandemic, sending aid on scheduled flights, but this is a special charter that has been funded by British Airways, Air bp, NATS, HAL and Indian ground handlers. Over the last 10 days, British Airways has been coordinating with charities and aviation partners both in the UK and India to plan the meticulous load of this aircraft.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
About Oxfam India
Oxfam India has deployed teams to five of the worst-hit states and is working with the government to distribute PPE to frontline health workers. It is working to support vulnerable communities to weather the crisis – with food, hygiene kits, cash grants and other practical assistance. People in the UK can donate to its emergency appeal now.
About the DEC Appeal
In India a second wave of coronavirus is having a devastating impact. With India’s health system struggling to cope, with hospitals overrun and oxygen supplies falling short of demand, thousands of people are not able to receive potentially life-saving treatment. Several cities have imposed lockdowns and curfews, which have a knock-on effect for people’s livelihoods, with the poorest and most marginalised communities being hit hardest.
DEC member charities have a long history of working with the most vulnerable communities in India and, together with their local teams and partners, they are playing a critical role in supporting the country’s health services, assisting efforts to slow the spread of the virus, and providing further help/assistance to the most vulnerable households.
DEC-funded aid delivery will include medical supplies, treatment facilities and logistics assistance to support India’s health system, as well as helping vulnerable families protect themselves from the virus with water, soap, handwashing stations and information.
To donate via the DEC appeal:
Online: www.dec.org.uk/appeal/coronavirus-appeal
Phone: 0370 60 60 900
SMS: Text SUPPORT to 70150 to donate £10
Post: Send a cheque to DEC Coronavirus Appeal, PO Box 999, London EC3A 3AA
