A British Airways aircraft loaded with vital medical supplies from China came back to London Heathrow. The Boeing 777 was loaded with ventilators as well as personal protective equipment (PPE) including goggles, face guards and gowns.

The flight was operated in partnership with the UK government and IAG Cargo. The British Embassy worked with the Department of Health to procure medical equipment from China and deliver it to NHS hospitals all over the UK.

The flight was the first of several British Airways flights containing medical equipment and supplies coming in to the UK from China. Over the coming days, 55 tonnes of hand sanitiser – equivalent to around 62,000 large bottles – will arrive in the UK on a similar flight from Shanghai.

Minister of state for Asia, Nigel Adams said: “I am delighted that we have been able to reopen the British Airways route from Shanghai to deliver lifesaving equipment that we have bought for the NHS. We have been working round the clock to bolster the NHS supplies and save lives and we are seeking further deliveries as a matter of urgency.”

Alex Cruz, chairman and chief executive of British Airways said: “We are doing all we can to support the global response to Covid-19, whether it’s flying important medical supplies in to the UK or helping to bring Britons home.” The flight was made possible after the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) gave permission to reopen British Airways’ regular Shanghai to Heathrow passenger route for cargo use.