MONTREAL — Air Canada is helping in India’s relief efforts by operating a cargo-only flight to Delhi as the country continues to struggle with record-breaking daily cases of COVID-19.

In collaboration with the Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC) and the Government of Ontario, an Air Canada Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner took off from Toronto yesterday, May 18, with 40 tones of essential supplies that include oxygen cylinders, oxygen generators and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Air Canada also carried 100 ventilators donated recently by the Saskatchewan Government.

“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,” said Jason Berry, Vice-President, Cargo at Air Canada. “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.”

Vikram Khurana, Chairman of the TBDC, added: “We share a strong and deep relationship with India and we stand with its people and frontline workers during these difficult times. India is the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer and has so far shipped over 66 million doses around the globe. We invite the global community to help them fight the pandemic because unless everyone is safe, no one is safe.”

All medical equipment that have been donated by government agencies and partners are new and will be consigned to the Red Cross upon arrival in India.