Qatar Airways is using its global network to fly medical supplies to China, said Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways and Secretary-General of the Qatar National Tourism Council.

He has spoken of his support for China in public many times. At an aviation summit held in late January, he said: “I don’t think there is any country in the world that could have acted so quickly to quarantine 11 million people in a city and still keep them fed and supplied, while building a hospital for 2000 people in one week.”

Speaking of Qatar Airways’ suspended flights to the Chinese mainland, he replied that the suspension was not because of the virus, but due to significant operational challenges caused by entry restrictions imposed by other countries. “We are carrying medical supplies, and Qatar Airways is donating huge medical supplies to help our friends in China in this very difficult time,” added Akbar Al Baker.

In early February, he also announced that medical supplies donated by Chinese communities worldwide will be flown by Qatar Airways Cargo freighters through its global network of 170 destinations to its China cargo gateways.

Qatar's ambassador to China, Mohamed Al Dehaimi, also expressed his love for China. Upon learning of the coronavirus outbreak, he gave up his holiday in his home country and returned to Beijing. With a belief that China will win the “battle”, he said he wanted to stand with the Chinese people to overcome the difficulty.

Together with some students, he also recorded a video to show Qataris’ support to Wuhan and China.