ABU DHABI, 2015-7-31 — /Travel PR News/ — Etihad Airways’ employees have raised almost AED 270,000 (7.5 million Nepalese Rupees) through a company-wide campaign to help earthquake survivors re-build their lives and communities in Nepal.
The airline’s employees volunteered and ran a ‘bake and aid’ sale, organised a sport tournament, a raffle competition, and other events across the organisation to raise awareness, funds and support since the tragedy occurred in May 2015.
A donation scheme was also set-up with the National Bank of Abu Dhabi to collect financial contributions from employees for the ‘Prime Minister’s Relief Fund,’ under the leadership of Sushil Koirala, the Prime Minister of Nepal.
Ray Gammell, Etihad Airways’ Chief People and Performance Officer, said: “Volunteering and giving back to our community, as well as to the communities in which we operate is part of Etihad Airways’ culture. We are proud that year after year, our people have generously provided their time and resources and donated financially to such important causes.”
In addition to the efforts of Etihad Airways’ employees, the disaster response initiative also included the provision of food, water, clothing, tents, medical kits and other items, delivered through the UAE Red Crescent to Kathmandu and surrounding areas.
The airline flew over 52 emergency relief workers and items from the US, Europe, and Australia to Kathmandu through Airlink, a global agency which coordinates airline partners to provide support in emergency situations and provided over 5,000 blankets.
To date, 10,000kg of excess baggage for relief items has been provided on special request free-of-charge to passengers who are travelling to Nepal.
Etihad Guest, Etihad Airways’ award-winning loyalty program, also established a dedicated page on the donations section of its Etihad Guest Reward Shop website and invited its members around the world to support the cause by contributing their miles. As a result, over 30 million miles were donated by Etihad Guest members.
“As individuals, and as an airline, we will continue making a difference where we can, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the earthquake. Our more than 600 Nepalese colleagues and their families are a key priority and being by their side is crucial at this time,” said Mr Gammell.
Etihad Airways is continuing its efforts in partnering up with organisations in Nepal to support move displaced communities with essential items, ranging from tents to permanent housing.
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About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways began operations in 2003, and in 2014 carried 14.8 million passengers. From its Abu Dhabi base, Etihad Airways flies to 111 existing or announced passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. The airline has a fleet of 115 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and more than 200 aircraft on firm order, including 67 Boeing 787s, 25 Boeing 777-X, 62 Airbus A350s and seven Airbus A380s.
Etihad Airways holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Aer Lingus, Alitalia, Jet Airways, Virgin Australia, and Swiss-based Darwin Airline, trading as Etihad Regional. Etihad Airways, along with airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Etihad Regional, Jet Airways and NIKI, also participate in Etihad Airways Partners, a new brand that brings together like-minded airlines to offer customers more choice through improved networks and schedules and enhanced frequent flyer benefits. For more information, please visit: www.etihad.com.
For further details please contact:
Etihad Airways Corporate Communications
Amina Taher
Phone: + 971 2 511 3709
Email: ataher@etihad.ae
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Photo Caption: (left to right): Sharad Chandra Kafley, Nepal Airport Manager, Etihad Airways, Pawana Shrestha, Nepal General Manager, Etihad Airways, Sushil Koirala, Nepal Prime Minister, Komal Adhikari, Nepal Finance Officer, Etihad Airways.