Western Global Assists in Madagascar Relief Efforts
Western Global Airlines working with NAM and UNICEF to provide relief for Madagascar citizens impacted by Cyclone Enawo
ESTERO, Fla. (March 27, 2017) – Southwest Florida-based Western Global Airlines, a leading U.S. Certified FAA 121 airfreight service provider with worldwide coverage, recently joined forces with Network Airline Management (NAM) and UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to provide relief for citizens of Madagascar impacted by the devastating effects of Cyclone Enawo’s landfall. On March 17, Western Global Airlines airlifted 175,000 pounds of humanitarian supplies to Madagascar’s capital for UNICEF aboard one of its MD-11 freighters.
The collaborative relief efforts were set into motion in response to the significant damage of Madagascar’s northeastern coast, caused by the March 7 landfall of Cyclone Enawo. According to UNICEF, the cyclone impacted more than 240,000 individuals, with more than 5,000 still unable to return to their homes following the storm. Western Global Airlines’ relief flight originated in Liège, Belgium, with a final destination of Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, Madagascar, a 12-hour total flight duration. The 175,000 pounds of delivered humanitarian items consisted of medical emergency supplies, educational material, and other essential items needed to further aid in the relief efforts.
“We are proud to support UNICEF’s relief efforts for the Madagascar population that was so severely impacted by Cyclone Enawo,” said Jim Neff, President and CEO of Western Global Airlines. “Our fleet of airplanes and team of dedicated professionals are standing by 24/7 to do the impossible in order to bring a positive outcome to those in need.”
As part of Western Global Airlines’ commitment to humanitarian causes around the globe, the company, which owns and operates a freighter fleet of 16 fuel-efficient wide-body aircraft, routinely provides flights and assistance during natural disasters or other crisis situations. It recently delivered life-critical medicines and supplies to Haiti from France, Sweden, Hong Kong, and the U.S. in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew’s devastation. It also flew the most missions of any airline to support the global effort to fight Ebola directly into the affected areas in West Africa.
“Our goal at Western Global Airlines is to set the standard in the global airfreight industry, and this mission goes beyond just business,” said Sunny Neff, Chief Innovation Office of Western Global Airlines. “There is a great need for humanitarian flying around the world, and our team is proud to advocate worldwide for our fellow neighbors everywhere. It is a top priority for us.” Western Global Airlines has already flown to over 250 airports in more than 100 countries on six continents.
This article appeared in Naples Herald, Air Cargo News, and Air Cargo Week.