GEODIS forms China-France air bridge to supply masks

GEODIS, as commissioned by the French Government, will organise the emergency supply of millions of masks from China to France. In order to respond to requests from the national authorities, GEODIS is planning 16 flights over the coming weeks, representing in volume terms approximately 2400 m3 (cubic meter) of capacity weekly. If necessary, this schedule could be extended into the month of May.

For this operation, mounted in a record time, GEODIS has chartered two Antonov 124 aircraft which will operate in rotation between France and China. The Antonov is a plane specially designed for the transport of cargo in large quantities. The French Minister of Solidarity and Health said on Sunday that this air bridge, was part of the expected delivery to France of 1 billion masks over the next 14 weeks.

The first flight from Shenzhen Airport in China containing 8.5 million masks arrived in France on March 30 via Paris-Vatry airport. A second flight is scheduled later this week carrying 13 million more masks.