WFP global Covid-19 response gets Singapore boost

The World Food Programme (WFP)’s global Covid-19 response gets a boost following their partnership with Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Temasek Foundation. This partnership will help transport essential medical supplies and other health and humanitarian items to places of need worldwide.

WFP global Covid-19 response

WFP operates a network of hubs with passenger and cargo airlinks, providing the logistics backbone for the global Covid-19 response. This ensures a steady flow of supplies and support to pandemic frontlines. Since these services commenced in May, WFP has managed over 800 humanitarian flights to 159 countries. There is also enough cargo to fill 188 jumbo jets requiring WFP transport in coming weeks.

…. While demand for WFP Common Services grows every week, resources are stretched incredibly thin and additional support is urgently needed. Amer Daoudi, WFP’s Covid-19 Corporate Response Director

He added that WEF is very grateful to Singapore Airlines and Temasek Foundation for stepping up to continue delivery of these life-saving supplies.

Under this agreement, SIA is providing ad-hoc charter flights and freight space in scheduled services on a cost-recovery basis. Temasek Foundation has covered flight costs with a contribution of up to US$6.5 million.

…. It is a pleasure for SIA to partner with WFP and Temasek Foundation in this meaningful programme. Chin Yau Seng, Senior Vice President SIA Cargo

Ng Boon Heong, CEO of Temasek Foundation added:

….. We are pleased to partner with the WFP and SIA to help make these flights possible. Ng Boon Heong

A challenging environment

WFP’s passenger and cargo flights need additional support to continue past the end of August. Sustaining WFP’s Common Services on behalf of the humanitarian and health community requires an estimated US$965 million. Only 21 percent of this sum has been received to date.

The SIA Group has stepped up to support the global fight against the Covid-19 pandemic in a number of ways.

• Multiple repatriation flights have carried stranded individuals back to their home countries.
• SIA Cargo has been transporting medical relief supplies and personal protective equipment to places of need.
  • This keeps supply lines for essential goods open at a critical time.
• The Group has also donated items including blankets and supplied meals to communities affected by the pandemic in Singapore.