A British Airways World Cargo 747 freighter aircraft arrived in Islamabad on Saturday morning (December 10), carrying a cargo of potentially life-saving supplies to help people still affected by the devastating earthquake that struck in October.
The aircraft is carrying 120 tonnes of tents, blankets, school and medical equipment and winter clothes to Islamabad where they will be distributed to those who are desperately in need.
British Airways took the decision to offer the aircraft, free of charge, to relief agencies due to the overwhelming response to the humanitarian disaster by the airline's staff
Rob Webb, the airline's General Counsel, said: "Many of our people have been affected by the South Asian earthquake disaster. Whether it is because they have family and friends living in affected areas or whether they have been touched by the television footage of those suffering as a result of the devastation, our staff have already reacted to the earthquake by giving generously of their time and money. Staff have shown commitment to this cause, and in turn, we, as a company, are responding to the many requests to use our cargo resources to help further."
Four organisations, Islamic Relief, Muslim Hands, West Midlands Fire Service in conjunction with Midland International Aid Trust and Unicef have each been allocated space to take 30 tonnes worth of goods on the freighter aircraft. The total space available is the equivalent of 10 well packed articulated lorries.
Naim Salim of Muslim Hands said: "Muslim Hands has been working in the devastated Kashmir and the North West Frontier Province for over 10 years. These regions are renowned for their harsh winters, and the victims of the earthquake need our assistance more than ever before. Many thousands people are still without shelter and in desperate need of warm clothing. The cargo space provided by British Airways is invaluable in transporting vital supplies to those who desperately need them."
British Airways staff have raised nearly 100,000 pounds sterling so far by fundraising events and collections for charities working in the areas of devastation.