Saudia Cargo joins UNICEF’s Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative

• COVAX Facility’s first round distribution plan provides doses to 145 countries starting the first half of 2021.

April 05, 2021: Saudia Cargo has joined the Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative launched by UNICEF to support the prioritisation of Covid-19 vaccines delivery alongside essential medicines, medical devices and other critical supplies.

The members of the initiative are 16 airlines which together cover routes to over 100 countries with one goal in mind, to support the COVAX Facility. COVAX Facility’s first round distribution plan provides doses to 145 countries starting the first half of 2021. These countries will immunise 3 percent of their population, on average and subject to all requirements and final allocation plans.

The initiative commits airlines to prioritise the shipment of all live-saving supplies, add freight capacity to routes whenever necessary, and take the important measures of temperature control and security. 

“Saudia Cargo is ready and on full power to operate for UNICEF Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative and take part in this global vaccines delivery effort through Saudia Cargo’s wide range of destinations and connection points. We fully understand our role and will work hand in hand with UNICEF and ensure the maximum global reach for the vaccines. Safe, timely and efficient transportation of these supplies is paramount and we are sure our air freighters will expertly get the job done,” said Saudia Cargo, Omar Hariri.

The other airlines part of this initiative include  Astral Aviation, Ethiopian Airlines, AirBridgeCargo, Air France/KLM, Emirates SkyCargo, Brussels Airlines, Cargolux, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, IAG Cargo, Korean Air, Lufthansa Cargo, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and United Airlines.