As Ethiopian Airlines delivers medical supplies to FG
Aero Contractors on has announced the suspension of all its flights for two weeks to support the federal government’s effort to stop the Coronavirus pandemic from spreading further.
The chief executive officer of the airline, Capt. Ado Sanusi, said in a statement issued in Lagos that the suspension, which commences from Thursday, March 26, will last for two weeks in the first instance.
“This is also in line with the decision of the Lagos State government, which has prohibited any gathering that is more than 20 persons.
“Coronavirus, known as COVID-19, is a global threat to our humanity and considering its devastating effect on many countries where it has led to death of thousands of people.
“We therefore crave the understanding of our esteemed customers to recognise our decision as a responsible corporate citizen and our support for full government effort to protect our citizens,” he said.
He said the management would review the progress to contain the virus at the expiration of the two weeks before it would resume operations.
Sanusi also the airline had taken care of all the future schedule of its customers.
He said the airline would ensure that those who had booked flights with it would be taken to their destinations in its usual safe and efficient service.
Meanwhile, an Ethiopian Airlines freighter landed at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos yesterday with laboratory kits and medical supplies for the federal government.
The airline said in a statement signed by its country manager, Mr. Firihiewot Mekonnen that it was pleased to deliver the essential medical supplies and equipment from Jack Ma Foundation which helps in the global fight against the COVID-19.
“We appreciate the donation of the Jack Ma Foundation and the generosity of Mr. Jack Ma. We admire our Prime Minister, H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed for his initiative and organisation of the entire coordination of the process.
“As an indigenous and pioneer Pan African airline, Ethiopian Airlines has stood together with Africans at all times for the last seven decades. Ethiopian has supported Africans in good and challenging times. In this unprecedented global pandemic, Ethiopian will continue its commitment for African people to help them fight and win this invisible enemy.
“Today, we are very happy to deliver these medical supplies to the government and people of Nigeria Ethiopian Airlines has always Stood by Nigeria in times of good and bad. Since we started flying to Lagos we have not stopped our Flights even when Abuja Airport was closed we were the only international airline that flew to Kaduna. We are happy to associate with Nigeria and her people,” said the airline
Chinese tech titan and Alibaba founder Jack Ma donated medical equipment, including 1.5 million laboratory kits for the coronavirus disease to member states of the African Union, according to a statement released on Monday.
The statement said the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the government of Ethiopia, the headquarters of the AU, would receive the consignment of diagnostic test kits and invention control goods.
The equipment includes 20, 000 laboratory diagnostic test kits, 100 000 medical masks, and 1, 000 protective suits and face shields.
