Ethiopian Airlines has partnered with Boeing to deliver supplies for aid to institutions across Ethiopia. The country's flag carrier most recently used its new Boeing 787 to transport the items from the United States in December.

Important deliveries

The airline only received the 787 Dreamliner last month but didn't waste time in filling it with the needed supplies. The Voice reports that 34,000 pounds of books and 5,800 pounds of school equipment, medical supplies, and clothing were flown to the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa.

The books and school resources are being sent to libraries run by Ethiopia Reads. The group serves 100,000 children in need each year. Additionally, the medical equipment, hygiene products and clothes will be sent to the Mary Joy Development Association, an institution that helps women and children.

This isn't the first time that Ethiopian used one of its Dreamliners to send supplies to its home nation. In November, it sent 11,000 pounds of resources from South Carolina to care homes and hospitals in the country. Altogether, there have been 39 humanitarian flights made as part of the collaboration with Ethiopian and Boeing.

Part of a wider program

This initiative is part of Boeing’s Humanitarian Delivery Flight Programme. This has seen the plane manufacturer partner with its customers and organizations across the world since 1992. Overall, Boeing has supported 200 humanitarian flights under the program since its introduction.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Tewolde GebreMariam shared that his company is glad to collaborate with Boeing to deliver charitable goods from the United States. He added that it has the responsibility to contribute its share to the socio-economic development of countries around the world.

Lifesaving initiative

Cheri Carter, vice president of Boeing Global Engagement shares that his firm's humanitarian program is critical to the welfare of those that need it.

“Through Boeing’s Humanitarian Delivery Flight Programme, and in close collaboration with customers like Ethiopian Airlines and charitable organisations around the world, we are providing important and oftentimes lifesaving resources to those in need,” said Carter, as per the report.

“We can do so much more when we work together, and Boeing is committed to continuing partnerships like this.”

Even though there has been great progress made for Ethiopia when it comes to social conditions, work still needs to be done. Life Water reports that a third of the country's population is without safe drinking water.

Furthermore, it holds the second largest population in Africa. Therefore, it's important that aid continues to reach those that need it.

Simple Flying reached out to Ethiopian Airlines for comment on the initiative but we didn't hear back before publication. We will update the article with any further announcements.

What are your thoughts on this partnership between Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing? Let us know what you think in the comment section.