Boeing, Ethiopian Airlines and Non-Profit Organizations Join Together for Humanitarian Flight

Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines jet.
2 February 2015
Content from a Premium Partner
Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa)
press release

Boeing (NYSE: BA) joined with Ethiopian Airlines and three separate non-profit organizations (NGO's) to deliver more than 4,000 pounds (1,814 kilograms) of medical supplies and equipment for charities and hospitals in Ethiopia and Somalia.

The deliveries were made to a number of medical institutions via NGO groups Horn of Africa Neonatal Development Services (HANDS), Vital Voices Global Partnerships Inc. and Seattle Alliance Outreach (SAO).

"Ethiopian Airlines continues to be a leader in corporate social responsibility activities in Ethiopia. With this delivery flight we are also very happy to facilitate the supply of much needed medical supplies in neighboring Somalia as well," said Tewolde GebreMariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. "As the flag carrier for the country of Ethiopia, we are viewed as not only an airline but also as a source of vital service for the people of Ethiopia. We are proud and honored to work with Boeing to help our people and country where we have such great needs."

The shipment includes an autoclave to sterilize surgery equipment which will be used by a new kidney dialysis center in Ethiopia; as well as neonatal medical equipment for Jimma University,College of Public Health & Health Sciences which is dedicated to saving infant lives.

Vital Voices Global Partnership Inc. will send medications, computers and medical equipment valued at approximately $68,000 onwards from Addis Ababa to the Dr. Hawa Abdi Foundation in Somalia, a charity that provides basic needs through the access to healthcare.

"The Vital Voices Northwest Council has been thrilled by Seattle's enthusiasm and generous donations to this important cause," said Rosita Van Coevorden, chair of the Vital Voices Northwest Council. "We are delighted to be donating state-of-the-art medical supplies such as hospital-grade defibrillators that will provide sorely needed resources at the Hawa Abdi General Hospital."

The Boeing Humanitarian Delivery Flights program is a collaboration effort between Boeing, airline customers and non-profit organizations to deliver humanitarian aid throughout the world to communities in need or crisis. Since Boeing's Humanitarian Delivery Flight program began in 1992, the company has facilitated more than 170 humanitarian delivery flights, including 10 in 2014, working in partnership with more than 50 airlines worldwide.

Ethiopian Airlines is the first African operator of the 787, taking delivery of 10. Ethiopian Airlines currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of 737, 757, 767, 777, and 787 airplanes in passenger service, and has 757, MD11, 777 and a 737-400F airplane in cargo operations.

For more information about this press release, please contact:
Hana Atnafu
Manager PR & Publications
Ethiopian Airlines
Tel: +251-115 178407
Email: hannaa@ethiopianairlines.com

Keelan Morris
International Communications
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Tel: +44 208-235-5665
Email: keelan.j.morris@boeing.com

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