Care by Air - the logistics-related humanitarian initiative that provides services to relief and humanitarian organizations at cost has been recognized with an industry award.

Lama Awad - Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Maximus Air received the Supply Chain and Transport CSR Award on behalf of all the initiative partners - Maximus Air, Etihad Airways, Aramex and Abu Dhabi Aviation Company (ADAC) at a glittering reception held at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel, last night. The ceremony was attended by more than 250 top executives from the Middle East transportation and logistics industries.

"I am pleased to say that the Care by Air model is gathering momentum boosted by the shared common goals of the members and by recognition of the fact that we can accomplish a great deal more in support of humanitarian causes by bringing together public and private partners,"Awad said. "Receiving a high profile award such as this only serves to further raise awareness of what the initiative is trying to achieve, therefore I would like to thank the judges for recognizing our efforts. "

Care by Air is an initiative from the UAE in line with the country's reputation as a 'giving nation', and has the full support of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan who has called it a 'Helping Hand from the UAE'.

Its aim is to address the costs and effectiveness of transportation and logistics requirements of relief organizations. Through the scheme, leading air cargo airlines, logistics companies and aviation suppliers companies help improve lives of millions by either donating empty space on flights at cost, waiving handling, landing or parking fees or discounting fuel prices.

Care by Air has already made a huge difference to the work of relief organisations as they can now rely on private business partnerships to help them deliver aid where it is needed throughout the world.

"Humanitarian-related logistics - specifically the cost, equipment and expertise involved in the handling and urgent transportation of relief efforts - is among the biggest challenge faced by global relief organizations," Awad adds. "As these organizations struggle for such resources, we are delighted to be of assistance to such efforts by reducing or donating humanitarian aid logistics, which in turn allows for more valuable resources to be concentrated on actual aid for those that need it most."

Established in 2007, the Supply Chain & Transport Awards recognise excellence in 16 categories covering the logistics, sea freight and air cargo sectors.