Qatar Airways has volunteered free air cargo transportation for medical relief aid organized by Chinese Embassies and Consulates worldwide to fight the coronavirus emergency. Qatar’s national carrier has aims to independently donate millions of medical-grade masks and sanitization bottles to areas in China most urgently in need.
Medical supplies donated by Chinese communities worldwide will be flown by Qatar Airways Cargo freighters through its global network of 170 destinations to its China cargo gateways in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macau.
Qatar Airways Cargo delivered the first batch of critical medical relief aid to Shanghai on 2nd February 2020. The shipment included 100,000 medical-grade N95 respiratory masks and 2,700 medical-grade disposable latex gloves, providing essential protection to healthcare professionals working around the clock at hospitals in Hubei Province, the epicentre of the virus.
Under the relief program by Chinese overseas communities, 700 kilogrammes of medical aid has already been donated by Chinese businesses and communities in Qataralone.
The “Green Channel” initiative for complimentary air transportation was announced jointly by Qatar Airways and the Chinese Embassy in Qatar. Qatar Airways is the first international airline to volunteer emergency relief flight delivery.
Chinese diaspora donations are flooding-in worldwide in rapid response to the shortage of medical supplies reported by the World Health Organization.
The Middle East carrier is also working closely with the World Health Organization and local authorities worldwide safeguard the health and safety of its employees and passengers. Its modern fleet is protected with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration systems, eliminating 99.97% of fine airborne particles from circulating air in cabins, greatly restricting the spread of airborne fungi, viruses and bacteria.
Qatar Airways has taken the decision to suspend passenger flights to mainland Chinastarting 3rd February due to significant operational challenges caused by the outbreak. An ongoing review of operations will be conducted each week to assess the situation but once these restrictions are lifted, Qatar Airways will immediately reinstate its flights. Qatar Airways Cargo freighter service to its two Mainland China destinations – Guangzhou and Shanghai, remains unchanged.