Virgin Atlantic flies aid to Basra, Iraq

Virgin Atlantic today operated the first relief supply flight to Basra bringing approximately 60 tonnes of much-needed medical supplies to Iraq. Virgin's 747 - 400 became the first non-military aircraft to land in Iraq since 1990. Working along side the British Military, Virgin Atlantic has been assisting in the re-opening of Basra airport, which will be crucial to the long-term recovery of Iraq.

Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Atlantic, commented;

"I was contacted two weeks ago by Air Marshal Brian Burridge and asked if we could send a team to Basra to help get the airport reopened and agreed. Since then we have worked with the army and the Royal Air Force to accomplish this as soon as possible and Virgin Atlantic is extremely proud to be the first airline operating a medical relief flight into Iraq. This crucial flight will deliver around 60 tonnes of much needed aid and supplies.

"Good aviation links will be essential for the transportation of aid relief, supplies, workers and the military. Ultimately this will lead to the resumption  of trade links, the rebuilding of the Iraqi economy and government and, above all, in helping to reunite Iraqi people with friends and families across the world."

Virgin has been liaising with the Government and key aid agencies to determine what sort of aid is a priority and how many flights they will require. Virgin has said that its aircraft will be available to operate a number of flights and is obviously delighted that this first flight will deliver life-saving medicines and equipment. In addition Virgin is also flying in essential medical equipment as diverse as incubators, heart defibrillators and ECG machines. Virgin has had cooperation from a wide range of pharmaceutical and medical supply companies and lists are attached of those who have generously donated supplies and the aid to be flown in on the flight.

Sir Richard Branson commented,

"The pharmaceutical companies and a variety of medical aid organisations, from the moment we asked them to help, have been working around the clock and have supplied over £2 million of drugs and much needed hospital equipment free of charge. We are extremely grateful to them for their incredible generosity."

The airline will also be carrying a small team of medical experts to assess the situation on the ground as Virgin now has a list of over 700 volunteer doctors, nurses and surgeons who are all prepared to go if needed.

Virgin Atlantic has previously flown to Iraq. In 1990 the airline operated a number of aid flights and the only hostage release flight from Baghdad during the first Gulf conflict. As soon as it is feasible Virgin Atlantic is ready to reintroduce scheduled air services between Iraq and the UK, which have been suspended since 1990.