Airbus, United Airlines, Air Charter Service (ACS), Air Partner and UPS are all aiding relief efforts in earthquake-devastated Nepal.
The United Nations said on Wednesday 29 April that the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the Kathmandu Valley on Saturday 25 April had killed at least 5,000 people and injured about 10,000 more.
Airbus has flown 50 humanitarian staff and transported 21 tonnes of food and medical aid from Paris to Kathmandu on an Airbus A350 XWB test aircraft. Airbus says it has also worked with Nepal Airlines using an Airbus A320 to transport medical supplies and non-governmental organisation (NGO) personnel to Kathmandu.
ACS says aid agencies are facing logistical challenges in trying to help victims as Kathmandu has one international airport.
Air Partner director of freight, Richard Smith, says the company is working with aid agencies, governments and NGOs to provide charter flights. He adds: “Teams have been working around the clock to provide charter solutions to move search and rescue teams.”
United is working with the American Red Cross, Americares, Airlink and Operation USA to provide aid to those affected by the earthquake.
UPS has through its UPS Foundation donated $500,000. It will contribute a combination of cash and support to provide urgent relief supplies and on-ground logistics support for long term recovery needs.
