The collaboration powers the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital
Ahead of World Sight Day on (October 9), FedEx spotlighted its over 40-year collaboration with Orbis International, during the Flying Eye Hospital’s goodwill visit in Dubai from September 30 to October 3.
Orbis hosted guided tours of the aircraft for FedEx employees and other guests, providing an inside look at the one-of-a-kind aircraft and showcasing our shared commitment to advancing access to eye care worldwide.
“For more than 18 years, FedEx teams at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central have played a vital role in supporting our aircraft—from logistics to maintenance—whenever we’re in the region. Every time we arrive, we’re welcomed like family,” commented Bruce Johnson, Director, Aircraft Operations and Maintenance, Orbis International.
Training and surgeries
The current, third generation Flying Eye Hospital is a FedEx-donated MD-10 aircraft. Since its first flight in 1982, the Flying Eye Hospital has visited more than 80 countries, providing both training and surgeries to address avoidable blindness and vision loss.
FedEx has supported Orbis since the start, providing more than US$ 22mn in donations and in-kind shipping. Beyond donating the current aircraft, FedEx covers aircraft parts, maintenance, and pilot training, while FedEx pilots volunteer their time to fly the plane to all its destinations, according to a press communication.
Avoidable blindness
“As World Sight Day approaches, FedEx is proud to stand with Orbis in creating a world without avoidable blindness and vision loss,” stated Taarek Hinedi, Vice President, Middle East and Africa Operations, FedEx.
“Seeing a child regain their sight and knowing they now have a chance to learn, play, and one day support their own family is an incredible feeling. I’m proud to have spent a large part of my life working for FedEx, which made it possible for its pilots to give back in such a meaningful way,” noted Captain Gary Dyson, Chief Pilot for Orbis International and a retired FedEx pilot.
