Care by Air enhances UAE's humanitarian role worldwide: Hamdan bin Zayed

Abu Dhabi, Feb 28, 2012 (WAM) - H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region, and Chairman of Red Crescent Authority (RCA), received yesterday President and CEO of Maximus Air Fathi Buhazza. Sheikh Hamdan was briefed by Buhazza on ''Care by Air : A helping hand from the UAE'', a UAE non-profit humanitarian relief initiative, launched by Maximus Air Cargo in 2009 in partnership with Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi Airports Company and Aramex, to deliver at-cost transportation and logistics services to help balance the needs of humanitarian organisations. Sheikh Hamdan, who got a deep insight into the mission, vision and future plans of the initiative, voiced his unflinching support for the UAE world humanitarian initiative which aims to reduce costs of relief air transportation in a bid to boost capacities of relief organisations. The breakthrough initiative, he asserted, underscores the UAE's commitment to smooth flow of humanitarian assistance to victims of disasters and catastrophes across the world. ''Millions of people across the world suffer hunger and starvation every day, and the initiative came to alleviate the sufferings of destitute people by utilising the empty space of the cargo planes to send food supplies by charity organisations, said Sheikh Hamdan. Care by Air, he added, gives a new dimension to the role of the UAE as one of the leading countries in the region committed to humanitarian and charity work, and makes a qualitative leap in the movement of humanitarian assistance. Sheikh Hamdan appealed to government and private airways companies as well as commercial and oil companies to join the initiative so as to boost capacities of local, regional and international relief agencies. For his part, Buhazza said Care by Air seeks to further develop the promotion of relief efforts in the air cargo industry market, give the relief organisations additional exposure through the partnerships' network and marketing activities to encourage potential companies to join, enhance the role of the UAE as one of the leading countries in the region committed to humanitarian and charity work and to attract international partners, which will help boost the UAE's economy in the long term. He said that studies show that 30% of the maximum cargo loading capacity of scheduled flights is not used across the world. According to him, the Care by Air will have a substantial impact in reducing cargo expenses which account for 80 % of budgets of world charity organisations. He indicated that Maximus has adopted many creative humanitarian initiatives in partnership of the RCA. Care by Air offers a variety of benefits: Increase in human relief aid to countries in need of aid around the world Increased responsiveness for relief operations (reduced lead time). The at-cost approach ensures that no losses will be incurred so it is possible to sustain and guarantee its efficiency Resource Efficient. Everyone can join. Establishing a flexible framework for all partners to upgrade the services offered. Intensify the co-operation through regular exchange of information. - Emirates News Agency, WAM