(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-05-25 15:59

LOS ANGELES  -- The Boeing Company and Shenzhen Airlines launched "Flight of Hope" on Saturday to deliver nearly three tons of medical supplies to victims of the recent Chinese earthquake.

The supplies, provided by the US Medical Teams International and Mercy Corps, are being carried to China on a new Boeing 737-800 airplane that Shenzhen Airlines received on Saturday.

The supplies will be transferred to a domestic flight of Shenzhen Airlines and taken to the Chengdu airport early next week. Upon arrival, Mercy Corps will partner with All China Youth Federation to distribute the supplies in the earthquake region.

Boeing initiated the collaboration between the airlines and the two relief agencies, and coordinated the shipment.

"This wonderful effort, made possible by Shenzhen Airlines' graciousness in offering its new airplane, came together quickly because we all want to help the survivors," said Anne Roosevelt, Boeing vice president of Global Corporate Citizenship. "We're looking at more opportunities with Shenzhen and other airlines to deliver additional supplies."

"We're grateful for this opportunity to bring hope and healing to those who have lost everything and are suffering," Medical Teams International President Bas Vanderzalm said.

"In disasters the size of the China earthquake, rapid response saves thousands of lives. Boeing's help rushing these medicines to China means Mercy Corps can get them immediately to those who need them most," said Neal Keny-Guyer, Mercy Corps chief executive.

Boeing also has pledged 250,000 US dollars to the American Red Cross for earthquake relief, and will match contributions made by its employees and retirees through June 12. The combined total has exceeded 500,000 dollars so far.