Emirates Airline and the Airbus Foundation fly relief goods to UN depot in Dubai

Emirates Airline and the Airbus Foundation fly relief goods to UN depot in Dubai 

• Hamburg, 3 October 2017 – Emirates Airline, the Airbus Foundation and the NGO Welthungerhilfe have joined forces to bring emergency shelter items from Hamburg, Germany, to the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) in Dubai, UAE.

The aircraft, which is the 98^th A380 to join the airline’s fleet, carried 1,020 tarpaulins and ropes required for the immediate first needs alleviation after a humanitarian crisis. The goods are among the ten most needed items in immediate humanitarian aid and will support 500 families. The tarpaulins and ropes can be used for replacing destroyed roofs, as temporary shelter in destroyed areas or even as water tanks.  

Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline said: “Emirates’ longstanding partnership with Airbus to support humanitarian organisations in transporting goods and aid to disaster stricken areas highlights the essential role that aviation plays in addressing humanitarian emergencies and supporting relief operations. We are proud to work with the Airbus Foundation and Welthungerhilfe to ferry these important relief supplies on our 98^th A380 bound for Dubai, which will reach the regions and people who need it the most.” 

Till Wahnbaeck, Chief Executive Director of Welthungerhilfe emphasized:” Our successful response to emergency situations relies on strong and reliable partners and professional preparation. This flight is an example how different partners can make a difference to save lives in emergency assistance. 

Tom Enders, CEO of Airbus and Chairman of the Airbus Foundation said: “We are very proud of our long-term partnership with Emirates supporting the humanitarian community. I would like to thank Emirates and Welthungerhilfe for making this flight possible. Continuously transporting relief goods to the UNHRD in Dubai using delivery flights is a great example of how aviation can be a real force for good.” 

The goodwill flight is part of the cooperation between Emirates Airline and the Airbus Foundation which was created in 2013 to utilize future A380 Emirates deliveries for transporting humanitarian aid to the UNHRD. Since the start of the cooperation 125 tonnes of goods have been transported. 

The IHC is an independent, humanitarian free-zone Authority hosting a community of members comprised of UN agencies, Non Profit Organisations, Intergovernmental Organisations and Commercial Companies. Strategically located near Dubai Al Makoum International Airport, the IHC is a large-scale logistical hub for humanitarian aid response to crisis-stricken areas. It was created in 2003 and made available by the Government of the UAE. 

About the Airbus Foundation

The Airbus Foundation, chaired by Tom Enders, CEO of Airbus, includes Airbus, Airbus Helicopters and Airbus Defence and Space as founding and contributing members. It is the company’s vehicle for corporate philanthropy, using the group’s resources, aeronautic and space products, competencies, diverse workforce and culture for driving innovation to address societal issues. In particular, the Foundation supports the global humanitarian community and inspires and prepares young people for the challenges of tomorrow. Since its launch in December 2008, the Airbus Foundation has facilitated more than 55 relief or goodwill flights to numerous destinations around the globe. More information can be found at http://company.airbus.com/responsibility/Foundation.html. Follow us on Twitter: @AirbusFdn 

About Emirates Airline

Emirates Airline is the world’s largest international airline, flying to 157 destinations in 84 countries. Emirates operates 262 aircraft and is the world’s largest operator of the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 family of aircraft, with pending deliveries for an additional 211 aircraft, worth more than USD$104 billion. The airline’s luxurious amenities, regionally inspired gourmet cuisine, award-winning in-flight entertainment system – ice – and unmatched hospitality provided by its iconic multi-lingual Cabin Crew from over 130 nationalities have made Emirates one of the world’s most recognized airline brands. Emirates has received hundreds of international awards and accolades for excellence, including ‘Best Airline in the World’ at the Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards for Airlines 2017. 

About Welthungerhilfe

Welthungerhilfe is one of the largest private aid organisations in Germany; politically independent and non-denominational. It is fighting for “Zero Hunger by 2030”. Since its establishment in 1962, more than 8,500 overseas projects in 70 countries have been supported with 3.27 billion euros. Welthungerhilfe works on the principle of help for self-help: from fast disaster relief to reconstruction and long-term development cooperation projects with national and international partner organisations. More information at: http://www.welthungerhilfe.de/