Working with Airlink’s partners, Convoy of Hope and Flexport.org, Cathay Pacific recently delivered a consignment of blankets and tarps from Chicago to Manila via its state-of-the-art Hong Kong Cargo Terminal in response to Super Typhoon Goni (locally named Rolly) in the Philippines. The typhoon affected an estimated 1.6 million individuals over six regions, with around 125 cities and towns left without electricity.

“Cathay Pacific is proud to partner with Airlink. We have unparalleled transportation expertise; Airlink complements us perfectly with their vast network of non-profit and logistics partners; so when disaster strikes, we can spring into action. Together, we have a genuine opportunity to positively impact the lives of those in need,” said Chris van den Hooven, Senior Vice-President, Americas, Cathay Pacific. “It is exciting when the mission and purpose of an organization so closely aligns with our own values. Giving back to the communities in which we operate has been a core principle of Cathay Pacific’s operation since our founding 75 years ago. With the global pandemic, it is more important than ever that we support communities in need and we are prepared to do our part for relief efforts in response to disasters including Super Typhoon Goni.”

“We are delighted by Cathay Pacific’s decision to make Airlink a Community Partner,” said Airlink President and CEO Steven J. Smith. “During several previous responses in the Asia-Pacific region, including during the 2015 Nepal earthquake, and 2018 Sunda Strait tsunami Cathay Pacific’s support was invaluable. Knowing in advance that we have the support of a major carrier like Cathay Pacific is really import to us and will enable us to deliver on behalf on our network of humanitarian relief partners.”

Washington, DC-based Airlink operates globally, mobilizing a network of airlines and airfreight carriers. This network has enabled Airlink to respond to 21 natural disasters in the past year, including COVID-19, hurricanes Laura, Sally, Delta, Zeta, Iota and Eta. In response to these events, Airlink has moved over 500,000 pounds of humanitarian aid, 618 volunteer and expert responders to 18 countries. Airlink expects its aid to reach over 2 million people by the end of the year.   

In an effort to introduce additional cargo capacity where possible and support global supply chains, Cathay Pacific reconfigured four Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft into ‘preighters,’ with seats removed in the Economy and Premium Economy cabins to enable the airline to carry 12 tons of additional cargo under extra safety and security measures.  As part of its ongoing efforts to contribute to the fight against COVID-19, Cathay Pacific recently announced that it has begun transporting vaccines all over the world. Learn more here.

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About Airlink

Airlink is a nonprofit organization connecting pre-screened nonprofits and the aviation sector to deliver disaster responders and supplies in the wake of humanitarian crises worldwide. Its network includes more than 130 aid organizations and 47 commercial and charter airlines. Its first mission was in response to the Haiti earthquake, and since its inception in 2010, Airlink’s airline partners have flown nearly 7,000 relief workers and transported more than 3,500,000 pounds of humanitarian cargo, saving nonprofits over $12million in air transport costs. For more information, please visit www.airlinkflight.org.    

About Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific is the home airline of Hong Kong, offering scheduled passenger and cargo services to destinations in Asia, North America, Australia, Europe and Africa. The company is a member of the Swire group and is a public company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Cathay Pacific has made substantial investments to develop Hong Kong as one of the world’s leading global transportation hubs. Cathay Pacific is a founding member of the one world global alliance. For more information, please visit www.cathaypacific.com.

About Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal

Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) commenced operations in February 2013. The HK$5.9 billion facility is one of the biggest and most sophisticated terminals in the world, providing additional air cargo handling capacity and facilities that reinforce Hong Kong’s position as the world’s premier international airfreight hub. The airline’s wholly owned subsidiary, Cathay Pacific Services Ltd (CPSL), was awarded a franchise to invest in, design, construct and operate the air cargo terminal at HKIA under a 20-year agreement. The terminal was designed for an annual air cargo throughput capacity of 2.6 million tons and is a common-use facility open to all airline customers. The Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal sets new standards in operational efficiency, environmental design and service levels. For more information, please visit www.cathaypacificcargo.com