Through a partnership between Air Canada, disaster logistics non-profit Airlink, relief organization Project C.U.R.E., and freight forwarder Flexport, medical supplies and hospital beds, humanitarian and medical supplies were loaded onboard an Air Canada Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner special humanitarian cargo flight, which departed YYZ on 09MAR on route to Warsaw, Poland. Medical and trauma supplies destined for a Ukrainian hospital provided by Canadian disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization GlobalMedic were also boarded.
"Our hearts are with the Ukrainian people in need - all of us have seen the crisis they are facing. We know from our aid partners the critical requirement for much needed medical and humanitarian supplies and our global partner Airlink reached out to us to help transport these vital items quickly. Importantly, both Airlink and GlobalMedic have the infrastructure and teams on the ground to ensure that the shipments will get to their destinations right after our flight arrives. We are proud of our employees who have stepped up to help organize the complex logistics, handle and operate this special flight so quickly," said Jason Berry, Vice President, Cargo at Air Canada.
After the flight arrives in Poland, Project C.U.R.E. will manage the distribution of supplies to hospitals treating Ukrainian civilians injured during the war, expanding the capacity of hospitals in border regions to provide care. More than two million people throughout Ukraine have now fled their homes after the invasion seeking safety in neighbouring countries, according to Project C.U.R.E., and primary care has been identified by aid agencies as "one of the most pressing needs."
"This shipment will make a material impact on the lives of Ukrainians fleeing the conflict and support the communities hosting them," said Steve Smith, Airlink President and CEO. "Getting the shipment to Poland on behalf of our NGO partner Project C.U.R.E. meant overcoming a challenging logistical environment, but I'm thrilled we could do it with assistance from our long-time friends and supporters Air Canada. This is the first of many cargo movements Airlink will carry out in support of Ukrainian refugees."
"This first shipment of emergency medical supplies and equipment is just one of many to come," said Dr. Douglas Jackson, President and CEO of Project C.U.R.E. "People all over the world are responding to this need, and they are cheering on our work from all corners of the globe. We are incredibly grateful to our partners at Airlink and Air Canada for making this a reality – together we are saving lives and delivering health and hope to the people of Ukraine."
Earlier this week, medical supplies were picked up from the Project C.U.R.E. warehouse in Illinois, transported to ORD and tendered to Air Canada by Flexport. Air Canada Cargo subsequently transported the supplies to its Cargo facility at YYZ.
Non-profit disaster logistics company Airlink exists to help remove the cost of air transportation as a barrier to NGOs responding to disasters and other humanitarian crises. Wth its long-term partnership with Air Canada, and support from donors, Airlink was able to to secure the cargo-only flight making the delivery of this shipment possible. Airlink also has transported 42 relief workers for 11 non-profit organizations providing medical care, food, mental health counseling, clean water, and other essentials to Ukrainian refugees, the company said in a statement.
Air Canada has worked together with Airlink and GlobalMedic to transport responders and aid on a number of missions, most recently in response to British Columbia's devastating wildfires and floods.
For more information, visit Air Canada's web site.
