National Airlines has flown a Boeing 747-400 Freighter to Cyclone Idai-affected Mozambique with 70 tonnes of relief materials from the Canadian Red Cross Society.

Cyclone Idai struck Mozambique on 14 March, killing and displacing thousands of people and causing widespread damage.

The 747-400 flew from Toronto, Canada and Amsterdam, the Netherlands following a request from Air Charter Service to launch an urgent relief supply mission.

National Air Cargo ensured aid agencies that the relief materials were swiftly getting to the people and is working on additional relief movements.

Chris Alf, chairman of the National board says: “Our hearts and prayers are with those affected in Mozambique. National Airlines is and will always be committed to prioritising relief missions ahead of our commercial operations. The Mozambique mission request was received and activated within 24 hours.”