By Ron Chen, Correspondent ASEAN Region
Transport giants Qatar Airways Cargo and DSV have partnered to donate freight capacity to charities, providing much-needed relief during the pandemic.
Vulnerable populations in countries affected by the coronavirus pandemic need clothing, food, medications and personal protective equipment (PPE) now more than ever.
Qatar Airways Cargo has therefore pledged to carry 1 million kilos of humanitarian aid and medical supplies across the world free of charge between July and the end of 2020, distributed between the airline’s customers who can use the allocation to support charities of their choice.
When DSV was given the opportunity to take part in the programme, the decision to accept was an easy one, according to who is DSV’s Head of Global Air Freight Procurement, Mads Ravn.
“We have a great partnership with Qatar Airways Cargo, so when they offered to team up to donate freight capacity, we were happy to accept. As part of DSV’s corporate responsibility strategy, we already work closely with the Danish Red Cross to transport human aid to people in need, so we immediately thought of them when the opportunity came,” says Mads Ravn.
As one of the recipients, the Danish Red Cross will be transporting 1.5 million examination gloves and other needed materials to Ethiopia.
“From a logistical and financial perspective, such an offer was impossible to turn down. And it was natural for us as a partner to the Ethiopian Red Cross to assist them in purchasing and transporting materials supporting their COVID-19 response,” says Global Logistics Surge Delegate at the Danish Red Cross, Jesper B. Nielsen.
Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways, Guillaume Halleux adds:
“The pandemic is a tragedy for millions of people, and as a carrier we firmly believe in giving back to the community and supporting people impacted by disasters. The 1 million kilos chapter of our sustainability project ‘We Qare’ is an action triggered by this thought. We are happy to partner with our customer DSV and enable them to support charities of their choice.”
DSV’s long-standing partnership with the Danish Red Cross includes providing warehousing space for disaster preparedness, transport services when disaster strikes, and financial support.
