Boeing Dreamlifter transports 1.5M face masks for COVID-19 response
1.5 million medical-grade face masks were loaded onto the Dreamlifter. Boeing photo
Using a Dreamlifter, Boeing completed another COVID-19 transport mission, carrying 1.5 million medical-grade face masks Sunday from Hong Kong to Greenville, South Carolina.
The personal protective equipment (PPE) was hauled in the lower lobe of the converted 747-700 Large Cargo Freighter. Boeing worked in partnership with Prisma Health; Atlas Air Worldwide; and Neil Ferrier, founder of Discommon, a product development company.
Discommon secured production of the PPE from manufacturers in China and turned to Boeing to help transport to Prisma Health, the largest health care system in South Carolina. Boeing donated the cost of the mission transport, with Atlas Air operating the flights on behalf of Boeing.
“Ten years ago, Boeing came to South Carolina – investing a significant amount of resources in our economy and creating jobs for our people,” South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said. “Today, Boeing is making another significant investment in our state by partnering with other South Carolina businesses to help combat this deadly virus. South Carolinians are unique in their compassion and care for one another. The businesses that have collaborated to make this delivery possible are an embodiment of those qualities, and we owe a debt of gratitude to each of them.”
On April 18 a Boeing-owned 737-700 carried 450,000 masks from China to New Hampshire. Additional airlift transport missions with the Boeing Dreamlifter and ecoDemonstrator are planned in the future.
“Boeing is proud to be part of this historic flight to bring vital PPE to health care workers across South Carolina,” Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun said. “I want to offer my personal thanks to the Boeing team and our Atlas Air partners for what they've done to support this essential mission and ensure our front-line health care workers have the equipment they critically need.”
The Dreamlifter will return to its home base in North Charleston, South Carolina, after making an additional delivery of 787 Dreamliner parts.
The equipment will go to health care workers in South Carolina. Boeing photo
