Air Canada begins transporting critical medical supplies to India

The carrier has started cargo-only flights to the country to ship ventilators, oxygen cylinders and PPE

Air Canada has begun supporting the Indian relief efforts alongside the Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC) and the government of Ontario, by providing urgent medical supplies to the region to tackle the surge in Covid-19 cases.

The cargo-only flights began yesterday (May 18), whereby 40 tonnes of essential goods were transported from Toronto Pearson Airport to Delhi.

Air Canada
Photo Air Canada

Jason Berry, vice president of cargo at Air Canada, said: "We are all deeply saddened by the devastating situation in India, and no one can remain indifferent to what is happening now in that part of the world. When flights to India were suspended on April 22, the movement of essential goods between the two countries was also halted.

“Today, with this exceptional cargo-only flight, we are grateful to be able to help and contribute to these relief efforts by shipping critical medical supplies. We worked closely with the Toronto Business Development Centre and the Government of Ontario to ensure timely support, in solidarity with the affected communities.”

Vikram Khurana, chairman of the TBDC, also expressed his solidarity: “We invite the global community to help them fight the pandemic because unless everyone is safe, no one is safe.”

Critical apparatus such as oxygen cylinders, generators and personal protective equipment (PPE) are all included in the shipments. The carrier will also be delivering 100 ventilators which were recently donated by the Saskatchewan government.

Upon arrival, the equipment will be handed over to the Red Cross for distribution.