Industry Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines partner on 40th humanitarian delivery flight

Ethiopian Airlines has taken delivery of another Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and the delivery flight was used as humanitarian flight by Boeing and the airline. More than 20,000 pounds of humanitarian supplies have been carried on board.

The aircraft departed Boeing´s facility at Everett and landed in Addis Ababa. In the capitals´ region, health care supplies will be delivered to hospitals, clinics and charities Three main charitable partners have been working on making this delivery flight happening.

Cheri Carter, vice president of Boeing Global Engagement commented: “We are honored that Boeing is able to assist customers like Ethiopian Airlines as they transport critical medical supplies and support their local communities through the Humanitarian Delivery Fight program, especially during a challenge as significant as the COVID-19 pandemic [...] We are grateful to Ethiopian Airlines for their enduring commitment to the Humanitarian Delivery Program.”

The Resolute Health Outreach (RHO), the Ethiopian National COVID-19 Response Task Force of Seattle and Embuaa Family were the three main partners involved in the delivery flight. They contributed supplies like wipes, sterile gloves, face masks, bassinets, medicine and more.

Dr. Richard Solazzi, board chair at Resolute Health Outreach said: “Over the past 10 years, RHO has donated 200 tons of medical equipment to Ethiopia [...] This would not be possible without the help and cooperation of Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing. We are grateful for their commitment to this humanitarian project.”

Pastor Berhanu Waldemariam, chairman of the Seattle branch of the Ethiopian National COVID-19 Response Task Force added: “After COVID-19 came to Ethiopia, the Ethiopian community in the U.S. decided we needed to do something [...] We have collected these items and hospital equipment to help the Ethiopian government and people stay connected through partners such as Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing.”

Sister Zebider Zewdie, CEO of the Mary Joy Foundation stated: “Even during the COVID-19 crisis, it amazes me that people never shy away from helping others in need [...] This medical equipment will save countless lives and help people protect themselves from disease.”

In 1992, Boeing launched its Humanitarian Delivery Flight Program and this 40th flight underlines the success of the manufacturer´s program.