Boeing Transports 1.5M Face Masks for COVID-19 Response

A Boeing Dreamlifter was used to bring personal protective equipment (PPE) from Hong Kong to the United States in a COVID-19 transport mission. Working in partnership with Prisma Health, Atlas Air Worldwide and Discommon Founder Neil Ferrier, Boeing transported 1.5 million medical-grade face masks bound for healthcare professionals in South Carolina.

Discommon, the importer of record for the delivery, securedproduction of the PPE from manufacturers in China and turned to Boeing tofacilitate their transport to Prisma Health, the largest healthcare system inSouth Carolina. Boeing donated the cost of the mission transport, with AtlasAir operating the flights on behalf of Boeing.

The Dreamlifter, a converted Boeing 747-400 Large CargoFreighter, flew from Hong Kong to Greenville, South Carolina, with the facemasks in its lower lobe. Following the delivery, the Dreamlifter will return toits home base in North Charleston, South Carolina, and deliver Dreamliner 787parts in support of the global aerospace supply chain.

“Battling COVID-19 has required an unprecedented responsefrom all levels of government, the private sector, and American families,” saidSouth Carolina Senator Tim Scott. “One of the most significant challengesfacing communities across the country is ensuring our front-line healthcareworkers have enough Personal Protective Equipment so they can both treatpatients and keep themselves healthy. This public-private partnership betweenthe White House, Boeing, Discommon and Atlas Air has cut through supply issuesand red tape to bring 1.5 million medical-grade masks to South Carolina andwill go a long way towards keeping our medical professionals safe. I offer mysincerest gratitude to all involved.”

Boeing continues to support local communities and thehealthcare professionals working to stop the spread of COVID-19. Additionalairlift transport missions with the Boeing Dreamlifter and ecoDemonstrator areplanned in the future. Boeing is coordinating closely with U.S. governmentofficials on how to best assist areas with the greatest need.