Airbus has deployed a new air-bridge flight between Europe and China to deliver additional face mask supplies to France, Germany, Spain and the UK health systems in support of the coronavirus crisis efforts.

The aircraft, an Airbus A330-200 undergoing conversion as multi-role tanker transport (MRTT), took off on 26 March from Airbus’ Getafe site near Madrid reaching the Airbus site in Tianjin the following day.

The aircraft, operated by an Airbus crew, returned to Spain yesterday morning (28 March) with a cargo of more than four million face masks.

In recent days, Airbus has already organised flights from Europe and China with A330-800 and A400M aircraft to donate thousands of face masks to hospitals and public services around Europe.