Etihad Cargo, the cargo division of Etihad Airways, provided humanitarian aid to Kazakhstan and India. The flights are one of the four initiatives part of the Year of Zayed programme set for 2018.
The first humanitarian flight contained special provisions for those in need during the Holy Month of Ramadan and flew from Etihad’s cargo hub in Abu Dhabi to Almaty in Kazakhstan, and then to Hyderabad in India.
These missions are being carried out in partnership with the Khalifa Foundation, the Red Crescent, and His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Humanitarian & Scientific Foundation.
Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are pleased to have commenced our first Year of Zayed humanitarian operations with our cargo aircraft which is crossing the globe to deliver vital items to help people most in need.”
Faris Saif Al Mazrouei, General Manager of The Founder's Office, said: “The Founder’s Office is proud to support Etihad Airways’ humanitarian efforts, which will bring relief to thousands during the holy month of Ramadan.
“The late Sheikh Zayed initiated countless philanthropic and charitable endeavors throughout his lifetime. His spirit of altruism and generosity transcended borders, and laid the foundations for the UAE’s ongoing role as a leading provider of international aid.”
The Year of Zayed programme celebrates the 4 core values of respect, wisdom, sustainability and human development.
Etihad Cargo is operating the humanitarian freighter missions under the theme of respect.
The humanitarian missions embody the spirit and values of the UAE’s founding father, HH Sheikh Zayed.Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ CEO
For the pillar of wisdom, Etihad Airways will include a variety of inflight activities to celebrate the late Sheikh Zayed.
The airline will also fly-in 1,000 guests during 2018 for the Abu Dhabi cultural experience, so they can visit locations such as Founder’s Memorial, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Airways will host this year’s Abu Dhabi Birdathon alongisde the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), in celebration of the themes of flying and sustainability. The event is part of an initiative to raise awareness for environmental conservation.
The final element of Etihad’s Year of Zayed campaign is their efforts on human development. Etihad will not only be launching the Young Aviators programme but will be dedicating their training facility buildings to Sheikh Zayed.
The Etihad Training Academy will be renamed Zayed Campus - Abu Dhabi and the Etihad Aviation Training facility in Al Ain will also be renamed Zayed Campus - Al Ain.
The Young Aviators programme aims to inspire and educate the next generation by inviting school children to Etihad’s headquarters and Training Academy in Abu Dhabi.
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