American Airlines will mount more long-haul widebody passenger flights carrying cargo this week noting the importance of keeping the supply chain going amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The world’s largest airline said it will mount additional all-cargo flights to locations including Auckland Airport (New Zealand), Sao Paulo International Airport (Brazil) and Honolulu International Airport (Haiwaii).

These flights are in addition to existing passenger flights which continue to operate daily between Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and London Heathrow (LHR), Miami International Airport (MIA) and LHR, and three times weekly between DFW and Narita International Airport (NRT).

More Europe capacity

"American Airlines is continuing to operate international widebody service to key locations around the globe, serving as a vital partner for freight forwarders and supporting global trade in the face of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic," the airline said in a statement.

American Airlines also said it is expanding its cargo capacity with more roundtrip flights between DFW and Frankfurt Airport (FRA) beginning March 26 – bringing a total of more than 40 widebody flights operating this week across the globe.

American’s network is augmented by its global trucking routes, offering additional opportunities for cargo capacity around the world.

“The air cargo industry plays a vital role in supporting the world’s economy and it’s more important than ever before that we continue to find solutions to serve our customers,” said Roger Samways, vice president cargo sales.

On March 20, 2020 American deployed its first cargo-only flights since 1984 between DFW and FRA.

Two Boeing 777-300 aircraft flew two round trips between DFW and FRA over the course of four days, transporting critical goods including medical supplies, mail for active U.S. military, telecommunications equipment and electronics that will support people working from home, and e-commerce packages.