Qatar Airways is aiming to transport 300 tonnes of medical aid and equipment to India.

The aid, sourced from global suppliers, will be flown free of charge in a three-flight cargo aircraft convoy directly to destinations in India where it is most desperately needed, the airline said.

“The State of Qatar has a long and special relationship with India, and we have watched with great sorrow as Covid-19 has once again caused a significant challenge to the country,” said Qatar Airways’ group chief executive, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker.

“As one of the world air cargo leaders, with an extensive international network, we stand ready to provide humanitarian support by transporting these much-needed supplies, and help the country fight back against this appalling virus.”

Qatar Airways Cargo has already transported more than 20 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine for UNICEF as part of a five-year MoU to support the organisation’s ‘Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative’, Al Baker added.

The cargo shipment will include PPE equipment, oxygen canisters and other essential medical items, and consists of donations by individuals and companies around the world in addition to existing cargo orders.