The 40 tonnes of relief aid includes medical supplies, food, hygiene kits, matressses and electrical generators. The first plane load of 16 tonnes flew Monday and the remaining aid will follow over several days aboard Gulf Air's scheduled services to Damascus, Syria.
"We are very thankful to our national carrier, Gulf Air, for taking up this humanitarian cause and flying the relief free of charge," said Sadiq Al Shehabi, General Secretary of the Bahrain Red Crescent Society, which is spear-heading the relief.
Minister of Social Affairs Dr Fatima Al Balooshi and Lebanese Ambassador to Bahrain Mohammed al-Hijar and other ministry and government officials were present at the Bahrain International Aiport to witness the first aid dispatch.
"We would like to thank Gulf Air for great offer to do this. This is a great achievement," said Dr Fatima.
From Syria, the aid will go into Lebanon in co-ordination with the United Nations and the International Red Cross for distribution.
"We sincerely thank Gulf Air and the government of Bahrain for its support to help relieve the suffering of our people during these dire circumstances," said Mr al-Hijar.
Gulf Air is also flying three Bahrain Red Crescent Society staff, who will help distribute the relief.
"We are monitoring the situation very closely and are glad to be able to assist in this humanitarian effort," says Gulf Air Vice President Business Units Ali Murtada.
Gulf Air extended the suspension of its Beirut flights till the end of August and has upgraded its services out of Larnaca in light of the recent developments in Lebanon and customer demand.
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Gulf Air flies humanitarian relief for Lebanon
- Bahrain: Monday, July 31 - 2006 at 15:44
- PRESS RELEASE
Gulf Air is flying tonnes of aid as part of its humanitarian relief efforts for the Lebanese people.
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About Gulf Air:Founded in 1950, Gulf Air, owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, is the only truly Pan Gulf carrier in the Middle East region.
The regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline has embraced over more than half a century are still central to defining its brand and service ethos.
Today the airline's network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 50 cities in 30 countries. The fleet comprises 34 aircraft and has the distinct advantage of possessing the strongest network across the Middle East.
A platform for sustained commercial operation has been established over the past three years as part of a multi-phased turnaround programme. It has also provided a framework for a succession of innovative products and services including the unique Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies that form part of Gulf Air's 'smart airline, successful business' vision.
International recognition has been achieved as a result of the turnaround programme leading to numerous awards for the airline's innovative and high quality products and services: These include:
• Best Onboard Catering in First and Business Class (Skytrax World Airline Catering Awards 2005)
• Best designed in-flight magazine (American Creativity Awards,2005)
• Middle East Leading First Class Airline (World Travel Awards 2005)
• World's Leading Airport Lounge (World Travel Awards 2005)
• Middle East & North African Platinum Best Airline (MENA Travel Awards 2004
• Most Improved Airline (Skytrax Awards 2004)
• Middle East First Class Airline (Arabian Business Awards)
• Best new product launch for in-flight services (PAX international Readership Awards)
• Best First Class Onboard Food (Skytrax Food Category 2004)
• Best Business Class Check-in (Skytrax Check-in Category 2004)
• Middle East region's best airport restaurant for its restaurant in Bahrain International Airport lounge (PAX International Readership Awards 2005)
Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2007
For further information please contact:
GULF AIR PRESS OFFICE
T: +973 17 338821
F: +973 17 338207
Posted by Janeta Novakovic, Assistant News EditorMonday, July 31 - 2006 at 15:44 UAE local time (GMT+4)
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