Dubai-based Emirates has launched a flotilla of cargo planes to Lebanon loaded with emergency relief supplies for residents of Beirut, where a chemical blast killed 172 people, wounded thousands and leveled large parts of the city.
The airlines’ SkyCargo division said it plans to send more than 50 freighter flights to the devastated country.
Emirates is asking people to donate cash or pledge their Skywards Miles for food, medical supplies and other items and will coordinate with nongovernmental organizations to deliver the aid. The airline said it will provide a 20% discount on air transportation rates for approved shipments.
Emirates has already deployed several charter flights to Lebanon carrying food, clothing and medical supplies donated by various grassroots organizations in the United Arab Emirates.
