KATHMANDU, Nov 16: Etihad Airways, the national airlines of the United Arab Emirates, has received an award from Airlink -- a humanitarian nonprofit organization that links airlines with pre-qualified nonprofits -- for its efforts following the earthquake in April this year.
According to a statement issued by the airline, Airlink immediately contacted Etihad Airways to request flight tickets for volunteers and provided 54 flight tickets for aid workers from the USA, Europe and Australia to fly into Kathmandu.
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"The relationship with Airlink is an important one, which allows us to provide rapid and essential logistic assistance to those in most need through the wider NGO network," said James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Operations Officer.
Steven Smith, Airlink's Executive Director, said: "We are pleased to recognize Etihad Airways for its dedication and support of nonprofit partners responding in the aftermath of the earthquake. They provided overwhelming support to responding nonprofits, enabling rapid relief and sustained humanitarian support following this catastrophic event."This support was part of a greater relief program initiated by Etihad Airways to help the people of Nepal. It included the donation of 5,000 blankets that were transported to Nepal by the Red Crescent; the collection of over AED 270,000 raised by staff through various fund-raising activities; and the provision of over 10,000 kilograms of free-of-charge excess baggage to passengers to carry relief and emergency aid into the country, according to the statement.
