The second British Airways relief flight in two weeks has touched down in Delhi, India, as the pandemic continues to ravage the country. The cargo only flight (BA257F) departed London at 5:00 pm Friday and arrived in Delhi at 5:45 am local time this morning.
On Saturday (May 22, 2021), British Airways announced that their second relief flight in two weeks to India has touched down in Delhi this morning at 5:45 am local time carrying 18 tonnes of medical aid. The cargo-only flight (BA257F) departed London Friday evening at 5:00 pm. The freight consisted of 5,000 pieces, including hundreds of oxygen concentrators donated by charities such as Oxfam, Khalsa Aid, Christian Aid and LPSUK. British Airways’ fuel partner, Air bp supported the flight, while the carrier ensured a carbon offset.
In Saturday’s announcement, Oxfam GB’s Chief Executive, Danny Sriskandarajah, said,
“We’re hugely grateful to British Airways for providing this free cargo space to transport vital aid like PPE and oxygen concentrators to India, where Oxfam and partners are delivering urgent medical supplies to hospitals and health centres in some of the worst-hit areas. This emergency kit could mean the difference between life and death for people in India facing a deadly second wave of coronavirus. Oxfam is able to respond in India thanks to the generous support of partners such as British Airways and all those who have donated to our emergency appeal.”
British Airways’ Chairman and Chief Executive, Sean Doyle, added,
“Earlier this week, we welcomed customers back on board as international travel starts to open up, but we are mindful that the fight against Covid-19 is not over yet. Our business has a deep connection with India, it is only right that we continue to support by joining our travel and charity partners to transport much needed medical equipment to India.”
The continued relief efforts are supported by British Airways, IAG Cargo, BP, NATS, HAL and Indian ground handlers and spearheaded by charities including Oxfam, Khalsa Aid, LPSUK and Christian Aid. Since the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, British Airways and IAG Cargo have maintained a vital airlink between London and India. Over the last 10 days, British Airways has coordinated with charities and aviation partners in the UK and India to plan today’s critical medical supply airlift. Oxfam India has deployed teams to five of the worst hit states in India and is working with the government to distribute PPE to frontline health workers and humanitarian aid to vulnerable communities.
Source: British Airways