Emirates sends UN relief to Pakistan

18 May 2009

Emirates SkyCargo, in conjunction with logistics provider Kuehne & Nagel, has transported 120 tonnes of relief supplies to the conflict stricken Swat region of Pakistan.

A Boeing 747 freighter, specially chartered by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), left Dubai last Tuesday morning carrying aid to Islamabad, where it was distributed by the UNHRC.

Hiran Perera, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Cargo – Freighters, said: “Upon receiving the call from the UN, we redeployed one of our freighters to Islamabad within 30 hours. Having operated more than 30 relief flights in 2008 alone, Emirates SkyCargo has the expertise and experience in organising these crucial services – usually in very challenging environments.”

Unlike many scheduled services, relief flights often involve very large shipments requiring urgent transport to areas that are off regular route networks.

Emirates SkyCargo will operate another relief flight to Sri Lanka this evening. The Boeing 777 freighter will transport 100 tonnes of aid to the capital city of Colombo.