Turkish Cargo has started to operate cargo flights with Turkish Airlines’ passenger planes citing the need to keep the supply chain moving amid the Covid-19 outbreak.

The all-cargo service utilizing passenger aircraft increases the airline's capacity by 14,500 tonnes from and to Turkey with an additional 167 cargo flights.

"By adjusting to the rapidly changing situation and maintaining its commitment to provide additional capacity, global cargo carrier will contribute to the continuation of the supply chain while doing its duty during these challenging times by standing with its nation as the flag carrier," Turkish Cargo, which has the sixth-largest cargo capacity, said.

The first of the cargo flights started last March 20, using passenger aircraft B-777 on the Istanbul-Kiev route.

Turkish Cargo said it will also operate cargo flights to Bucharest, Tel Aviv, Amsterdam, London, Paris, Amman, Beirut, and Dubai.

This is in addition to its flights with 25 high capacity freighters to prevent any mishaps in the supply chain and carry the medical cargo that is of vital importance, it said.

"During these times with global repercussions and national challenge, Turkish Cargo continues its mission to act as a bridge that transports the much-needed medicine and medical equipment to Turkey from across the world and from Turkey to the countries that need them. With that in mind, the global cargo carrier already started to carry the rapid test kits that can give results in 15 minutes to Turkey from China," it said.