UK. New government data has revealed the role Heathrow Airport is playing in the UK’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
In March, the London airport imported 32.9% (by value) of equipment brought in to fight the coronavirus.
During the first quarter of the year, Heathrow welcomed 5,269 tonnes of medical cargo items through both dedicated cargo carriers and repurposed passenger aircraft. The imports included hospital equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), sterilisation products, medical oxygen, medicines, swabs and test kits.
The airport said these figures are set to increase over the coming weeks as many airlines have either begun flying freighters or are increasingly adapting passenger planes.
Heathrow Airport CEO John Holland-Kaye said: “Heathrow is more than just an airport – it is the country’s biggest front door, not only for people, but also the time-critical, sensitive cargo that is essential to the UK’s front line heroes.
“The Secretary of State for Transport’s proposals for a potential risk-based ‘air bridge’ will allow trade to continue between low-risk destinations, protect public health and enable Heathrow to play its part in kickstarting the nation’s economic recovery. Ministers have taken a responsible step and we will continue to work with them to beat COVID-19 and return the UK economy to health once more.”
During March, Heathrow was the conduit for 36% of the UK’s total imports by value and Freight Transport Association Director of Policy Elizabeth de Jong added: “Air cargo has been vital to maintaining the integrity of the UK’s supply chain and helped businesses cope with unprecedented demand in areas including medical supplies, food and other essentials. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the resilience of the UK’s logistics industry, helped in no small part by the flexibility of air operators via Heathrow.”