Boeing and Kenya Airways partner with Non-Profits to Deliver Medical Resources for Children in Kenya

News Release Issued: Oct 20, 2014 (1:00pm EDT)
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Boeing, Kenya Airways Partner with Non-Profits to Deliver Medical Resources for Children in Kenya

First humanitarian delivery flight from Boeing South Carolina

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., Oct. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Kenya Airways have partnered with First Baptist Church in Baytown, Texas, to transport medical equipment to Kajiado, Kenya, on a newly delivered 787 Dreamliner from the company’s North Charleston, S.C., facility.

The supplies, including examination tables and other equipment, will benefit Kenyan children served by the Africa Inland Church Childcare Center in Kajiado. The center provides care and treatment for children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.

The delivery marks the first time that a flight participating in Boeing’s Humanitarian Delivery Flights program has originated from South Carolina. This is also Kenya Airways’ first humanitarian flight in partnership with Boeing using a 787. The airline’s last Humanitarian Delivery Flight was in October 2013 with the Kenyan-flag carrier’s first 777-300ER (Extended Range) delivered from Everett, Wash.

"As part of its sustainability for Africa program, Kenya Airways is committed to enriching the lives of the people across the continent," said Titus Naikuni, CEO, Kenya Airways. "The equipment to be delivered as part of this humanitarian flight will boost and ease the lives of the children at the AIC Childcare Center, and Kenya Airways is honored to be part of it. The continued partnership with Boeing has been beneficial not only to Kenya Airways but to the people of Kenya as well."

The Boeing Humanitarian Delivery Flights program began in 1992, and has since then worked in partnership with nearly 50 different carriers worldwide to transport more than one million pounds (453,592 kilograms) of relief items over 150 humanitarian flights.

"We’re grateful for Kenya Airways continued partnership, and particularly proud and excited to partner with them on our first Humanitarian Delivery Flight out of South Carolina," said Jack Jones, Boeing South Carolina vice president and general manager. "Their commitment to bring needed supplies to local communities is commendable, and it’s our privilege to support them in that effort."

This airplane is the sixth 787 to join the Kenya Airways fleet, which is made up of more than 30 Boeing airplanes, including Next-Generation 737s, 777s, and 787 Dreamliners.