It is one of the first flights in a long series that all of France is looking forward to. And especially healthcare staff in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic. A plane from China and notably conveying 5.5 million medical masks was expected at Roissy airport this Sunday at the end of the afternoon. This Air France cargo aircraft carries a total of 100 tonnes of medical equipment, according to the French airline.
“Our reserves are not infinite”
This landing marks the beginnings of the air bridge established between China and France to provide masks that are sorely lacking over a large part of the territory. Saturday evening, the Ministry of Health indicated that more than a billion masks had been ordered both in France and abroad “for the weeks and months to come”. Why call abroad, and mainly in China? Because France, which needs 40 million masks per week produces only 8 million. “Our reserves are not infinite,” admitted Olivier Véran. And no country in the world is currently facing its demand for masks. ”
Other flights expected in the coming days
Other flights are expected in the coming days to transport these essential protective equipment. Paris-Vatry (Marne) airport, which has a cargo area dedicated to freight, waits for a first flight on Monday then others distributed for at least two weeks. At least one daily rotation is programmed with large aircraft type aircraft. They will transport on average 100 tonnes of freight each, with masks and medical equipment in variable quantities but each with at least ten million masks.
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