QATAR/CHINA. Qatar Airways has volunteered free air cargo transportation for medical relief organised by Chinese embassies and consulates to help fight the coronavirus outbreak.
The airline has said it will fly medical supplies donated by Chinese communities worldwide through its network of 170 destinations to its cargo gateways in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macau.
Combined effort: Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker (left) offering the airline’s support to Chinese Ambassador to Qatar His Excellency Mr. Zhou Jian (right)
The first batch of aid, which was delivered to Shanghai on 2 February, contained 100,000 medical-grade N95 respiratory masks and 2,700 disposable latex gloves for healthcare professionals in Hubei Province.
Under the relief programme by Chinese overseas communities, 700kg of medical aid has already been donated in Qatar alone.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “We are taking immediate actions to help alleviate the heart-breaking and devastating situation in China. We hope to make a positive contribution, leveraging our strengths as one of the world’s leading air cargo carriers and [our] strong network of partnerships.
“Along with the Chinese Embassy in Qatar coordinating relief aid efforts with local Chinese business organisations, we hope our combined efforts can help limit the spread of this virus, ease the burden on local medical personnel and make a meaningful difference.”
Chinese Ambassador to Qatar His Excellency Mr. Zhou Jian added: “China and Qatar are good friends. We highly appreciate the support for the motherland of Chinese citizens and companies in Qatar, which further strengthens our confidence to win this battle. This will surely write another glorious story in the history of China-Qatar relations.”
Click here for live global updates on the coronavirus outbreak
