For Immediate Release
March 30, 2020, Toronto, Ontario –
Ethiopian Airlines, the Pan-African carrier, has delivered medical supplies donated by Jack Ma, the founder of China’s e-commerce giant Alibaba, to 39 African Countries within 5 days. Ethiopian has transported Jack Ma’s support including testing kits, masks and protective suits.
Following its historical track record of serving Africa in both good and bad times, Ethiopian has once again demonstrated a great gesture of solidarity to the African people.
Launched by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Dr. Abiy Ahmed and Alibaba Foundation, the relief initiative is part of the actions taken towards implementing Africa’s continental strategy for preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Regarding the delivery of medical supplies, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, remarked “We would like to thank our Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed and Mr. Jack Ma for giving us the opportunity to serve the people of Africa in this globally challenging time. With the guidance from our Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed and donation of Mr. Jack Ma as well as the collaboration of our partners, we are happy to announce that we have delivered the COVID-19 test kits, protective masks and other necessary medical supplies to 39 African countries in the last 5 days. In most of these African airports, Ethiopian Cargo airplanes are the only ones delivering this life- saving emergency medical supplies.’’
The delivery has so far exceeded the halfway mark with more distribution plans to be continued in the coming days.
About Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian operates the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 127 international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. The Ethiopian fleet includes ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft, such as Airbus A350, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-200 Freighter, and Bombardier Q-400 double cabin. The average age of the aircraft is five years. Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate these aircraft.
Ethiopian Airlines flies direct from Toronto to Addis Ababa five times weekly. This route will now be serviced with our Airbus 350. Ethiopian Airlines is the largest airline in Africa, with one of the youngest fleets in the world. Ethiopian Airlines, a Star Alliance member, is currently the only African operator of the Airbus.
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