Jan. 7, 2004, Taipei, Taiwan- After the devastating earthquake in Iran, the Red Cross has initiated the collection of 35 tons of humanitarian aid, to be shipped by China Airlines. China Airlines designated a Boeing 747-400 freighter to carry out the mission, and the flight will arrive in Tehran International Airport at 7:20 am on January 8, Tehran local time.

The Red Cross post-disaster relief aid includes 10,000 jackets, 8,000 blankets, 3,600 pairs of socks and 3,000 wool hats. The materials were donated by Taiwanese hi-tech companies and social charity groups, reflecting the generosity of Taiwanese people.

A total of 35 tons of humanitarian aid will be loaded onto more than ten pallets. The flight, CI 253, will take off from Taipei at 1:20 am on January 8 and arrive in Tehran 10 hours and 30 minutes later. After unloading the humanitarian aid in Tehran, the B747-400 freighter will continue its schedule service to Europe.

Being a corporate citizen, China Airlines has supported many charities and public interests in the past, by donating manpower, material and charity fund. Recent cases include sending medical supplies to El Salvador after an earthquake, and physicians and aid to Bali after the nightclub bombing. Immediately following the 9-21 earthquake in Taiwan, and during the SARS period, China Airlines carried rescue and medical supplies back to Taiwan.