FlightsarrangedforCOVID19fightinAfrica

From: Shenzhen Daily

Updated: 2020-06-28 09:06

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline company in Africa, had arranged two chartered flights on June 19 and 22 to carry 133.4 tons of anti-COVID-19 materials from Shenzhen, according to sznews.com.

After a stopover in Dubai, the flights made it to Ethipia and the materials like masks, protective clothing and goggles, were distributed to Middle Eastern and African countries to help them in the fight against the coronavirus.

Mehari Assefa, general manager of South China region of Ethiopian Airlines, believes the chartered flights will enhance connectivity between Shenzhen and African countries. Assefa expects more cargo flights will be added to boost cooperation in industrial supply chains under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Shenzhen enterprises including Huawei, Shenzhen Energy and Transsion have business operations in Ethiopia, the fastest-growing economy in Africa.

Their investments cover energy, transportation, telecommunications and manufacturing sectors.

In January last year, Shenzhen International Airport opened direct flight to Johannesburg, South Africa.

Since May this year, Shenzhen airport has organized 13 chartered flights, both cargo and passenger-turned-cargo planes, and has sent 200 tons of anti-epidemic materials to African countries including Egypt, South Africa and Ethiopia.

Since mid-March, Shenzhen airport has organized 1,100 such flights, sending 26,000 tons of anti-epidemic cargo to more than 40 countries in five continents.