NAM airlifts 100 tonnes of Ebola relief supplies to DRC
The use of a staged airbridge enabled aid agencies to move large volumes of supplies across multiple regions while maintaining continuity in the supply chain.
Network Airline Management (NAM) has completed a humanitarian air cargo operation supporting Ebola outbreak response efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), transporting more than 100 metric tonnes of emergency relief supplies through a multi-stage airbridge coordinated with international aid organisations.
The operation was carried out on behalf of aviation services provider AVICO and involved the movement of critical humanitarian cargo from NAM’s hub in Liège, Belgium, to Nairobi, Kenya. From Nairobi, the shipment was transferred to the Kenyan cargo carrier Astral Aviation, which completed the final leg of the journey into the affected areas of the DRC.
The mission was organised in collaboration with the European Union, UNICEF and other logistics partners as part of a coordinated response to the Ebola outbreak. The shipment included personal protective equipment (PPE), medical supplies and clinical materials intended to support healthcare workers and medical institutions operating in regions impacted by the disease.
The operation highlights the role of air cargo networks in delivering time-sensitive humanitarian aid to areas where speed and reliability are critical. The use of a staged airbridge enabled aid agencies to move large volumes of supplies across multiple regions while maintaining continuity in the supply chain.
According to NAM, the urgency of the outbreak required rapid deployment of available air freight capacity. The carrier utilised its Boeing 747-400 freighter aircraft to transport the cargo from Europe to East Africa, where it was connected with regional distribution services for onward delivery.
Sam Lindsey, NAM’s Commercial and Operations Director, stated: "Recognising the absolute urgency of the situation, we prioritised this shipment and did everything possible to create a window of availability within our operational schedule to ensure the cargo reached the transit point for the DRC as soon as possible. Our deep-rooted expertise across the African continent allows us to navigate the unique complexities of the region, and we are proud to have utilised the specialised air cargo capabilities of our Boeing 747-400 freighter fleet to get this aid moving without delay."
The company said its experience across African markets and established partnerships enabled the movement of relief cargo within a compressed timeframe. The operation also demonstrates the continued reliance of humanitarian organisations on dedicated freighter services to transport large consignments of medical and emergency supplies during public health emergencies.
NAM said it remains committed to supporting humanitarian relief missions across Africa through its air cargo network and operational capabilities. The company added that it continues to work with international organisations and logistics partners to provide air transport solutions for emergency response efforts where rapid aid movement is required.
Network Airline Management is involved in humanitarian airlift efforts during the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, collaborating with AVICO, Astral Aviation, and UNICEF to provide air cargo logistics.
