British Airways has made its second relief flight to India in two weeks as the country struggles with the second wave of its Covid-19 pandemic.
The airline was working with sister company IAG Cargo to send the Boeing 777-200 cargo aircraft filled with 18 tonnes of critical care equipment, PPE and oxygen concentrators to Delhi
Fuel partner Air bp also supported the flight, which was carbon offset by BA, as it carried 5,000 items of medical equipment, donated by charities including Oxfam, Khalsa Aid, Christian Aid and LPSUK.
Oxfam GB CEO Danny Sriskandarajah said: “We’re hugely grateful to British Airways for providing this free cargo space to transport vital aid like PPE and oxygen concentrators to India, where Oxfam and partners are delivering urgent medical supplies to hospitals and health centres in some of the worst-hit areas.
“This emergency kit could mean the difference between life and death for people in India facing a deadly second wave of coronavirus.
“Oxfam is able to respond in India thanks to the generous support of partners such as British Airways and all those who have donated to our emergency appeal.”
BA chairman and CEO Sean Doyle added: “Earlier this week, we welcomed customers back on board as international travel starts to open up, but we are mindful that the fight against Covid-19 is not over yet.
“Our business has a deep connection with India, it is only right that we continue to support by joining our travel and charity partners to transport much needed medical equipment to India.”
