Qatar Airways has volunteered free air cargo transportation for medical relief aid organised by Chinese Embassies and Consulates worldwide to fight the coronavirus emergency. Qatar's national carrier has aims to independently donate millions of medical-grade masks and sanitization bottles to areas in China most urgently in need.

Medical supplies donated by Chinese communities worldwide will be flown by Qatar Airways Cargo freighters through its global network of 170 destinations to its China cargo gateways in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macau.

Qatar Airways Cargo delivered the first batch of critical medical relief aid to Shanghai on 2^nd February 2020. The shipment included 100,000 medical-grade N95 respiratory masks and 2,700 medical-grade disposable latex gloves, providing essential protection to healthcare professionals working around the clock at hospitals in Hubei Province, the epicentre of the virus.

Under the relief programme by Chinese overseas communities, 700 kilogrammes of medical aid has already been donated by Chinese businesses and communities in Qatar alone.

The "Green Channel" initiative for complimentary air transportation was announced jointly by Qatar Airways and the Chinese Embassy in Qatar. Qatar Airways is the first international airline to volunteer emergency relief flight delivery.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: "We are taking immediate actions to help alleviate the heartbreaking and devastating situation in China. We hope to make a positive contribution, leveraging our strengths as one of the world's leading air cargo carriers and strong network of partnerships."

"Along with the Chinese Embassy in Qatar coordinating relief aid efforts with local Chinese business organisations, we hope our combined efforts can help limit the spread of this virus, ease the burden on local medical personnel and make a meaningful difference."

Chinese Ambassador to Qatar, His Excellency Mr. Zhou Jian, said: "I would like to thank Qatar Airways for opening a 'Green Channel' for transporting these supplies.

"China and Qatar are good friends. We highly appreciate the support for the motherland of Chinese citizens and companies in Qatar, which further strengthens our confidence to win this battle. This will surely write another glorious story in the history of China-Qatar relations."

Chinese diaspora donations are flooding-in worldwide in rapid response to the shortage of medical supplies reported by the World Health Organization.

Qatar Airways has taken the decision to suspend passenger flights to mainland China starting 3rd February due to significant operational challenges caused by the outbreak. An ongoing review of operations will be conducted each week to assess the situation but once these restrictions are lifted, Qatar Airways will immediately reinstate its flights.

Qatar Airways Cargo freighter service to its two Mainland China destinations – Guangzhou and Shanghai, remains unchanged.