Norwegian to fly emergency aid to Ethiopia in support of UNICEF

  

Norwegian’s most important flight of the year is bound for drought-hit Ethiopia. The flight marks the return of Norwegian and UNICEF’s “Fill a Plane” initiative which is now back for the sixth time. This year, Norwegian’s plane is loaded with emergency aid for drought-stricken children that are affected by the region’s worst hunger crisis in 40 years.

For the sixth time, Norwegian in collaboration with UNICEF Norway are sending a plane with emergency aid to one of the world’s major crisis zones. This year’s mission will bring relief to children affected by malnutrition and drought in Ethiopia. This morning, Norwegian's newest 737 MAX 8 aircraft was loaded with 10 tonnes of emergency aid from UNICEF's warehouse in Copenhagen – the world’s largest humanitarian warehouse. 

“Finally, together with UNICEF, we can once again fill a plane with emergency aid. I am very happy that we can contribute to getting even more direct emergency aid to children in Ethiopia and, through this, contribute to putting the spotlight on one of the world's biggest crises,” said Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian. 

Internal engagement is central driver for collaboration 

Norwegian is providing the aircraft, crew and key employees to UNICEF for this mission. 

“Thanks to the fantastic efforts of Norwegian's employees, we can now send a fully loaded plane with medical equipment, medicine and other emergency aid to the Horn of Africa. It means a lot to have employees who are such active supporters,” said Camilla Viken, Secretary General of UNICEF Norway. 

The collaboration between Norwegian and UNICEF Norway stretches back more than 15 years. 

“The partnership with UNICEF is a great source of pride internally at Norwegian. Most importantly, we see that our contributions are having meaningful and immediate results. Through fundraising campaigns by employees, humanitarian campaigns and donations from customers we have contributed to giving children all over the world better living conditions,” said Karlsen

Tags: Geir Karlsen, Norwegian,UNICEF, Camilla Viken, Ethiopia