Air Charter Service said it booked charter flights to carry more than 10,000 tonnes of personal protective equipment (PPEs) through its network as the world continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic.

The aircraft charter provider said the majority of these flights are coming from the Asia Pacific — mainly from China where most of the health supplies and equipment are being made. 

“We have been booking aircraft carrying protective equipment around the world since the first week of February, initially flying into China and other parts of Asia but, due to the spread of the virus, we have now flown aid to all parts of the globe – more than 50 countries, " said Stephen Fernandez, regional director – Asia Pacific.

He noted that while it has been a variety of personal protective equipment, it arranged 10,000 tonnes of PPEs or equivalent to more than two billion face masks to be shipped worldwide.

So far, he said for these charter flights, more than 70% are departing from Asia Pacific region. China, the “the world’s factory, takes the crown of having almost 8,500 tonnes of PPE leaving the country.

“We’ve used all types of aircraft including large freighters such as the Antonov 124, Boeing 747 and Boeing 777, but also passenger aircraft not flying on their usual routes, filling them up with cargo packed securely onto the seats and in the belly hold space," Fernandez added.

“Now is one of those times where our industry really can make a difference and we feel like we are truly playing our part in helping the world fight this virus.”