BA flies vital medical supplies from China
A British Airways aircraft loaded with vital medical supplies from China is on its way back to London Heathrow.
Supplied onboard the Boeing 777 includes ventilators as well as personal protective equipment (PPE) including goggles, face guards and gowns.
The flight was operated in partnership with the UK Government and IAG Cargo. The British Embassy is working with the Department of Health to procure medical equipment from China and deliver it to NHS hospitals all over the UK.
Today’s flight was the first of several British Airways flights containing medical equipment and supplies coming in to the UK from China.
Over the coming days, 55 tonnes of hand sanitiser – equivalent to around 62,000 large bottles – will arrive in the UK on a flight from Shanghai.
Minister of state for Asia, Nigel Adams said: "I am delighted that we have been able to reopen the British Airways route from Shanghai to deliver lifesaving equipment that we have bought for the NHS.
"We have been working round the clock to bolster the NHS supplies and save lives and we are seeking further deliveries as a matter of urgency."
BA chairman and chief executive Alex Cruz said: "We are doing all we can to support the global response to Covid-19, whether it’s flying important medical supplies in to the UK or helping to bring Britons home.
"We will continue to use all available resources to support the Government, the NHS and communities all over the world who might be in need of our help."
The flight was made possible after the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) gave permission to reopen British Airways’ regular Shanghai to Heathrow passenger route for cargo use.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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