Airbus has expanded their COVID-19 relief efforts in India by delivering over 36 tons of additional medical equipment to the Indian Red Cross Society. The Airbus Foundation also sent 7 tons of medical equipment to Kathmandu, Nepal with an Airbus A350 test aircraft.
On Wednesday (June 2, 2021), Airbus announced an expansion of their ongoing COVID-19 relief efforts for India, with an additional shipment of over 36 tons of medical equipment to the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS). The cargo includes two oxygen generator plants, 30 ventilators, 250 oxygen concentrators, 100 BPAP breathing machines and four mobile intensive care units (ICUs). Part of the shipment comprised of oxygen concentrators and ventilators was transported from Airbus’ headquarters in Toulouse on Wednesday using an A350 test aircraft, while the remaining materials are being sourced from India.
Today’s mission is the second tranche of support for the country from Airbus, as the company has previously contributed relief effort funds to a consolidated response by the French Embassy in India. The first 28 ton tranche of aid included eight large oxygen generators, ventilators, electric syringe pumps, anti-bacterial filters and patient circuits.
In Wednesday’s announcement, Airbus India and South Asia’s President and MD, Rémi Maillard, said,
“Airbus stands behind India in solidarity and service. Our focus is to support not only our employees, customers, and partners but also as many people of India as we can. This is our common fight against the virus and we at Airbus are committed to doing our best to help in these challenging times for India and the world. The crisis is still unfolding. Its fallout will have to be managed over the coming many months. Our Indian NGO partners are already evaluating the knock-on impact of the crisis on livelihoods and children’s education. Airbus will expand support to them to meet the additional challenges.”
In a separate announcement today (June 2, 2021), the Airbus Foundation announced support in the fight against COVID-19 in Kathmandu, Nepal. In coordination with the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs’ Crisis and Support Centre (CDCS), the Airbus Foundation has sent seven tons of critical medical equipment from Toulouse to Kathmandu using an Airbus A350 test aircraft. The relief equipment was provided by the CDCS, the French Ministry of Health and Visiére Solidaire, and included masks, protective glasses, respirators and antigen tests. The critical supplies will help the Government of Nepal manage the crisis domestically.
Speaking on the relief efforts for Nepal, the Airbus Foundation’s Director, Rachel Schroeder, said,
“The situation in Nepal is still critical, and we remain committed to supporting the country’s fight against COVID-19 with the resources available to us. I am grateful that we could support our partner to bring this humanitarian mission to the people of Nepal. We hope our contribution brings relief to the affected.”
The A350 relief flight landed in Kathmandu on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, after departing New Delhi, where it also delivered critical medical supplies, as India fights a second COVID-19 wave.
Source: Airbus