A Virgin Atlantic aircraft flew from Heathrow to Turkey on Tuesday (February 14) carrying more than £350,000 worth of supplies to help those affected by last week’s earthquake in the region.
The specially chartered cargo flight transported 64 pallets of clothing and other essential supplies, including 31,000 coats and blankets and almost a tonne of infant milk powder.
The destination is Adana, a city 115 miles from the epicentre of the earthquake, in Gaziantep province.
The shipment will be handled on the ground by AFAD, the Turkish Government’s Aid Agency.
The humanitarian mission is being led by a charity called Magen David Adom UK and is supported by charity Goods for Goods and medicines supplier Durban, as well as Virgin Atlantic, which donated the flight.
The airline and Magen David Adom UK have partnered on humanitarian missions before, including Project Light in March 2022, which saw 61 Ukrainian refugees arrive on British soil in the initial weeks after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Shai Weiss, chief executive at Virgin Atlantic, said: “The loss of life and scenes of destruction in Turkey and Syria following the earthquake are truly devastating.
“We are doing all we can to support the relief effort and are pleased to once again partner with MDA UK to transport vital supplies to the region.”
Aviation minister Baroness Vere commented: “The magnitude of recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria is beyond comprehension. With sub-zero temperatures compounding the devastation, millions of people across the region continue to lack access to shelter and warmth.
“That’s why the UK has sent thousands of life-saving items to Turkey and north-west Syria, including tents, thermal blankets and hygiene kits.
“I thank Virgin Atlantic for their efforts, whose flight today demonstrates the true power of the UK’s aviation sector to reach those most in need in the hardest hit areas.”
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southeast Turkey near the Syrian border in the early hours of February 6.
The number of people confirmed to have died has risen to more than 33,000 and the World Health Organisation has warned that ensuring access to medical care and health services in the aftermath is critical.