Ethiopian Cargo has extended its reach to 74 destinations globally, and is catering to charter flight needs anywhere in the world boundlessly, carrying much needed medical supplies in the ongoing fight against Covid-19. Ethiopian is adapting its operations to the evolving global demand for air cargo services amid the pandemic.

Ethiopian transported a total uplift of over 45,848 tons of cargo to different parts of the world deploying both its freighters and passenger fleet, In the month of March alone. The shipments include pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and healthcare products carried with 86 charter flights using B777 freighters, each with a capacity of 100 tons.

“Agility being a key part of our competencies, we have recalibrated our cargo operations and networks in light of the current demand in air cargo business,” said Tewolde GebreMariam, Ethiopian Group CEO. “We are carrying medical supplies in both scheduled and charter flights using the cabin and belly hold of our passenger aircraft besides our cargo fleet. Despite the grim situation the world is grappling with, we feel heartened by the small contribution we are making to curb further loss of lives by carrying critical medical supplies where they are needed the most. I would like to thank my colleagues at Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services who are working 24/7 to provide air cargo service the world needs critically in this difficult time.”

Ethiopian Airline has been deploying its massive cargo capacity to facilitate the flow of essential cargo such as medical supplies wherever they are needed, In response to the growing demand for air cargo services following the spread of Covid-19. The Pharma Wing of Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services, which is housed within the largest trans-shipment terminal in Africa, has been central to the airline’s effective handling and shipping of medical supplies across Africa and beyond.

Currently, Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services is transporting an average 1.4 million kg of temperature-sensitive healthcare products monthly including medicines, biologicals, bio-technologies, diagnostics, vaccines and medical devices among others.

Equipped with temperature controlled pharma handling storage covering an area of 54,000 sq. m, the Pharma Wing is suitable for handling medical supplies in different temperature ranges through the use of active containers and real-time temperature monitoring system.

Dedicated and trained staff stationed at the facility ensure that all operations are carried out in line with the rules and regulations of IATA and other regulatory bodies throughout the supply chain.

Commenting on the critical role of Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services and its facilities amidst the pandemic, Ethiopian Group CEO Tewolde GebreMariam remarked, “Ethiopian Airlines has been a key enabler in the global effort to conquer COVID-19 by facilitating the shipment of life-saving medical supplies to different parts of the world. We feel privileged to serve the world in this difficult time deploying our state-of-the-art Pharma Wing as well as our cargo and passenger fleet. Now that Addis Ababa is designated as Humanitarian Air Hub by WFP and WHO owing to our advanced facilities, vast network of 127 international destinations and fleet, we will further bolster our efforts as the leading air cargo service provider in Africa.”

It is to be recalled that different UN Agencies, donor governments and philanthropists are using Addis Ababa as a hub to distribute medical supplies across Africa as part of the global effort to contain Covid-19.