China Eastern Airlines informed CARNOC.com that it has already mobilised a total of 24 aircraft until midday May 14 to transport some 3,500 rescue workers and 150 tons of emergency supplies from various cities across the airline's domestic network to the quake-hit Sichuan Province.

According to China Eastern Airlines, the airline has set up a special taskforce to lead and coordinate the airline's overall relief efforts and will respond to any government request for the air transportation of rescue personnel and emergency supplies.

Photograph: A team of rescue workers wait to board a China Eastern Airlines' special charter flight to the quake-hit Sichuan Province. Photo supplied by China Eastern Airlines.