Aviation Business News

Coronavirus: Virgin Atlantic flies in crucial medical supplies for the NHS

Virgin Atlantic coronavirus cargo

Virgin Atlantic partnered with Virgin Group’s not-for-profit foundation, Virgin Unite, to fly a special charter flight from Shanghai to London, bringing in essential medical supplies and PPE equipment for the NHS amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Boeing 787-9 aircraft operated the VS251 from Shanghai which departed at 11:40 local time on 3 April landing at 16:50 on 3 April into London Heathrow.

Manned by seven pilots and four cabin crew, the aircraft carried more 350,000 items of essential PPE supplies and medical equipment including respirators, ventilator parts, face masks, scrubs, aprons and eye protection in both the hold and in the cabin of the aircraft.

Managing director of Virgin Atlantic Cargo, Dominic Kennedy, commented: “We are incredibly grateful to the NHS for everything they are doing for the nation in extremely challenging circumstances, as they respond to the covid-19 crisis.

Virgin Atlantic coronavirus cargo

“We’re pleased we can play a part in supporting them, by bringing crucial supplies into the UK. With special thanks to the British Embassy in Beijing, the CAA and the UK Government in expediting clearances to make this possible.”

“Despite a decrease in passengers travelling, demand to transport cargo remains strong, keeping global supply chains running and transporting essential supplies around the world.

He added: “We’re looking forward to continuing to partner with the Department for Health and the NHS, working with them on a number of flights over the next few weeks, to bring in the supplies that the teams here in the UK urgently need to care for patients. Thanks also to Guy’s and St Thomas’ for their support in helping to organise this.”

Founding CEO and president of Virgin Unite, the charitable foundation of the Virgin Group, commented: “Millions of first responders, nurses, doctors, and other NHS staff are working tirelessly day and night on the frontlines of this crisis. They are true heroes in this crisis and we are humbled to have the opportunity to get this much needed equipment to them.”

The emergence of covid-19 has led to Virgin Atlantic operating cargo-only flights, a first for the airline since its launch in 1984.

Every year, Virgin Atlantic transports over 200,000 tonnes of cargo on its global network.

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