Cathay Pacific’s cargo branch, Cathay Pacific Cargo, has used one of its Boeing 747 freighters to transport 300,000 COVID-19 testing kits to India. The kits have been donated to India by the state of Oregon. The specially-arranged cargo flight is the second collaboration between the airline and Portland, Oregon.

To facilitate the shipment of COVID-19 rapid testing kits, Cathay Pacific Cargo has partnered with the Oregon Health Authority and the Department of Administrative Services. The airline worked free of charge, so neither Mumbai nor Oregon faced any costs. Last year the airline worked with state officials to bring surgical masks to Oregon.

Cathay Pacific Cargo used one of its Boeing 747s to make the trip. The aircraft left Portland, Oregon, this morning and briefly landed in Hong Kong before heading on to Mumbai, India. The aircraft was carrying rapid testing kits, which give results in 15 minutes. The BinaxNOW foundation will distribute the kits in rural areas, isolation centers, and hospitals to help slow the spread of the virus.

The BinaxNOW foundation will distribute the 300,000 rapid testing kits across India. Photo: Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific’s Regional General Manager for South Asia, the Middle East and Africa, Mark Sutch, commented,

“I would like to thank our team in the Americas and our local partners for organizing this shipment. As one of the leading cargo providers operating into India, we stand united with Citizens of the country and further our efforts in bringing essential humanitarian and medical aid to India.”

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Cathay Pacific Cargo efforts

This is not the first time Cathay Pacific Cargo has operated dedicated COVID-19 relief flights. Earlier this month, the airline announced it had flown over 100 tonnes of humanitarian aid and medical supplies to India. This includes face masks, oxygen supplies, personal protective equipment, and vaccines.

And it might not be the last time either. Cathay Pacific has said it will continue to support India as the situation remains difficult. It’s no surprise the airline is happy to continue its cargo operations. Announcing its April 2021 traffic figures, the number of passengers carried compared to 2019 was down 99.3%.

In contrast, the tonnage carried by cargo operations was down just 13% compared to 2020. The continued spread of the virus and the ongoing demand for medical supplies and vaccines means cargo is likely to remain crucial for the airline over the coming months.

The airline has previously transported millions of vaccine doses and around the world. Photo: Cathay Pacific

Loosening Hong Kong restrictions

The flight was only possible thanks to loosened restrictions in Hong Kong. In February, Hong Kong established a mandatory 14-day isolation period for all pilots. This made Cathay Pacific’s operations increasingly difficult to organize. The airline decided to continue operations with pilots on rotation.

However, Hong Kong has lifted the restrictions so that vaccinated pilots no longer need to quarantine. The result is that Cathay Pacific can step up operations again. It had previously warned that the restrictions would massively impact passenger and cargo operations and could delay transporting vital medical aid.

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