By Victor Shalton
Boeing Issues $10 million Assistance Package to Support India
In order to help sustain the health and livelihood of the citizens of India and stave off a potential economic depression, Boeing has announced a $10 million emergency assistance package for India to support the country’s response to the current surge in COVID-19 cases, with the outbreak raising many challenges for the Asian country as well as many governments around the world.
The implementation of the emergency support packages and its disbursement from Boeing will be directed to organizations providing relief, including medical supplies and emergency healthcare for communities and families battling COVID-19 even as India now records the world’s fastest-growing COVID-19 caseload with 18.8 million confirmed cases and an average of over 300,000 confirmed cases daily. On Friday, the nation set another devastating record with 386,452 additional cases, with the political and financial capitals of New Delhi and Mumbai put on lockdown.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated communities across the globe, and our hearts go out to our friends in India who are going through a very difficult time. Boeing is a global citizen, and in India we are directing our pandemic response to the communities most impacted by this recent surge of cases,” said Dave Calhoun, president and chief executive officer of The Boeing Company.
“Boeing not only stands in solidarity with the Indian people in their effort to confront this pandemic, we will be a part of the solution. We will continue to monitor the pandemic response in India and work to support our employees, customers, and partners through this crisis,” added Calhoun.
The critical consequences of the pandemic continues to particularly affect the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups and communities in India. The Boeing team in India totals 3,000 employees in addition to valued local customers, suppliers and business partners.
Boeing will also partner with local and international relief organizations for the adoption and implementation of emergency support packages to the areas of greatest need in consultation with medical, government and public health experts.
Boeing employees have also an opportunity to donate personally to charitable organizations supporting COVID-19 relief in India. As part of the Boeing Gift Match program, the company will match monetary donations dollar for dollar, extending the reach of assistance being provided to the Indian people.
Boeing’s presence in India stretches more than seven decades and encompasses the Tata-Boeing joint venture, which manufactures parts and major components for products across the enterprise portfolio. Boeing’s local community engagement in India positively impacts more than 300,000 lives in-country through investments in education, health and sanitation, skills development, and outreach programs.
Victor Shalton’s love for aviation can be traced to when he was 11-years-old. As a seasoned aviation writer, he takes pride in providing the best aviation coverage around the globe and is passionate about advancing his skills in the aviation space. In addition, he loves travelling, writing, arts and while his speaking engagements have taken him around the world, he is proud to call Nairobi home.
