Worldwide air bridge COVID19 supply lines

[Havingwings4ever]

Negotiations are ongoing at the highest levels of governments around the world including China, to create a huge and comprehensive air bridge system to supply mainly the USA, Europe, Scandinavia and Australia with goods. The 'shelter in place' quarantine approach and airlines grounding the majority of their fleets removes a huge amount of cargo space while demand is high. China is rapidly increasing manufacturing to before Covid-19 levels and even higher for priority products. There is an immediate need for full freighters, long haul and domestic, this need is modeled to exist for at least half a year. Demand is expected to be so high that regulation regarding transporting Dangerous Goods through the air needs to be (temporarily) adapted in order to fly certain DG's on pax airplanes without the pax. Several airlines are looking into getting mothballed freighters back into the air as governments will financially support this. This idea is preferred over using military aircraft. Source is a high level USA State Department staffer.

[lomapaseo]

What media sources have vetted this rumour?

[Longtimer]

What media sources have vetted this rumour?

https://www.stattimes.com/news/lufthansa-to-prepare-air-bridge-for-supplies-to-germany-during-covid-19-epidemic-air-cargo/Perhaps where the rumour started.

Lufthansa to prepare ‘air bridge’ for supplies to Germany during COVID-19 pandemichttps://cdn.shortpixel.ai/client/q_lossy,ret_img,w_30,h_30/https://www.stattimes.com/wp-content/themes/stattimes/images/stat-logo-150-x-150.jpg (https://www.stattimes.com/news/lufthansa-to-prepare-air-bridge-for-supplies-to-germany-during-covid-19-epidemic-air-cargo/#)STAT Times (https://www.stattimes.com/news/lufthansa-to-prepare-air-bridge-for-supplies-to-germany-during-covid-19-epidemic-air-cargo/#) Air Cargo (https://www.stattimes.com/category/air-cargo) March 18th, 2020

Mar 18, 2020: German airline, Lufthansa, is working with the government to prepare an ‘air bridge’ to ensure that necessary goods would continue to arrive in Germany during the coronavirus epidemic, according to a Reuters report.

Lufthansa chief Carsten Spohr told Bild newspaper that the airline was preparing to deploy its 747 and Lufthansa Cargo fleet and was working on revised crew schedules to ensure adequate staffing.

“Lufthansa will do everything in its power to ensure the supply chains supplying the population of Germany can be maintained by air,” he said. “We are working very hard on an air bridge for the whole of Germany.”

The original air bridge was built during the 1948-1949 operation by the Western allies to provide supplies to the West German exclave of West Berlin after Soviet forces blockaded the city.

[Herod]

The original air bridge was built during the 1948-1949 operation by the Western allies to provide supplies to the West German exclave of West Berlin after Soviet forces blockaded the city.

Close, but no cigar. The original air bridge was trans-Atlantic, supplying vital aircraft to the UK and, subsequently to North Africa. Early forties.

[Auxtank]

Ernie Gann says thanks for correcting that.

[WB627]

Sounds like it could be quite a big operation, bigger than the Berlin Airlift that only supplied a single city. This should be good news for the freight operators but will they have the capacity to deal with the demand? Would it help the passenger airlines that are struggling, if they were brought in on this and the work was shared around? Can the short haul airlines be brought in on this by flying long haul to strategic hubs and the short haul operators taking it from there?

If the world economies are going to recover, we need to keep as many companies afloat as possible in all sectors not just aviation.

[ATC Watcher]

Since we are in the rumors forum , heard one this morning that says that LH will remove seats from some of their pax 747s to transport goods on the main deck

[deltahotel]

Not sure it’s quite that simple. Freight for an ac that big will be in pallets/bins which need a cargo door, roller floor and locking mechanisms. I guess you could loose load it but it would take forever to do that manually with pax doors and Tetris skills.

Freight is the one sector of aviation which has continued through all of this. Not easy, but it’s happening.

[golfyankeesierra]

Ridiculous to compare this to the Berlin Airlift. At the time all road, rail and water connections were blocked into a war torn city.
Air was the only possibility to supply such things as even a cabbage. Lufthansa is not going to fly in cabbages to Germany now.

Also I do not believe for a second that Lufthansa is doing this dor the greater good of mankind. They are in this for the money. And understandably, it is the one and only thing that an airline can make a little bit money on.

And regarding the possibility of passengercabin cargo, I believe that will turn out to be one of the WhatsApp group hoaxes running around.
I am told that expected cargo is high priority but low volume. Like medical supplies.
Will fit perfectly into belly’s of their most efficient aircraft the A350.

Any LH pilot to comment?

[foxcharliep2]

Ridiculous to compare this to the Berlin Airlift. At the time all road, rail and water connections were blocked into a war torn city.
Air was the only possibility to supply such things as even a cabbage. Lufthansa is not going to fly in cabbages to Germany now.

Also I do not believe for a second that Lufthansa is doing this dor the greater good of mankind. They are in this for the money. And understandably, it is the one and only thing that an airline can make a little bit money on.

And regarding the possibility of passengercabin cargo, I believe that will turn out to be one of the WhatsApp group hoaxes running around.
I am told that expected cargo is high priority but low volume. Like medical supplies.
Will fit perfectly into belly’s of their most efficient aircraft the A350.

Any LH pilot to comment?

Retired from LH 10 years ago.

I will not comment on the technical details, we have no longer 747's with side cargo door.
But I will beliive it will be feasible if necessary.
Vorsprung durch Technik comes to my mind ... :-)

As for your comment re. you believe LH is in it for the money : Having done evac flights like THR after the Shah's fall and JKT after riots myself as crew, LH will do it to serve the German gvt and its citizens as well and as much as possible in a crisis.

LH and the German gvt have good relations and depend on each other. Today more than ever.

[golfyankeesierra]

Hi FC2, I absolutely agree on necessity of the rescue flights, all airlines are trying to get home as many passengers they can.
As a matter of fact I just returned from an intercontinental layover with the whole crew being aware of the possibility of getting quarantained when showing signs of corona. Some countries are doing temping or even corona tests for inbound crew.

But flying maindeck cargo on pax planes sounds more like a commercial decision to me.

[GKOC41]

Air Cargo Companies are slowly grinding to a halt due to Corona checks for crew members. The latest is crews are unable to get off at their turnround to complete their walk round. God forbid if an aircraft goes AOG

[foxcharliep2]

Hi FC2, I absolutely agree on necessity of the rescue flights, all airlines are trying to get home as many passengers they can.
As a matter of fact I just returned from an intercontinental layover with the whole crew being aware of the possibility of getting quarantained when showing signs of corona. Some countries are doing temping or even corona tests for inbound crew.

But flying maindeck cargo on pax planes sounds more like a commercial decision to me.

Thank you GYS - and I sure do not envy you in the current situation !

To be honest - commercial or otherwise I couldn't care less as long as it maintains vital supplies available.

Happy Landings !

[sekmeth]

KLM is prioritizing and moving forward phasing out their B747s.
As KLM is flying with 747 combis, ie half freighter half pax, and they are still stopping the flights with those aircraft, is there really a market for extra cargo?
i know KLM is not so fast moving, but I expected them to jump into such an opportunity if it exists

[vikingivesterled]

The rescue flight with medical staff and equipment that came from China to Italy did look (on tv) like it had many smallish cardboard boxes (probably protective equipment like masks/gloves/gowns) manually stacked in most of the passenger area.
Do not underestimate the chinese and their ability to raise the manpower to manually load a plane with cargo by carrying it onboard. Time will tell if we europeans can organize somebody to unload it. Or do we have to fly the chinese in to do that as well.

[FullWings]

Most modern aircraft can have some/all seats removed and it’s not rocket science to use the attachment points for securing freight - after all, they secure seats + passengers. Big stuff in the holds, smaller stuff in the cabin that fits through the doors. A 777-300ER could take 60-70T of cargo China -> Europe, maybe more...

[Airbubba]

American is doing cargo flights with pax planes:

American Airlines Announces Cargo-Only Flights to Help Keep Business Moving

Thursday, March 19, 2020, 5:00 PM

FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines is utilizing its currently grounded passenger aircraft to move cargo between the United States and Europe, ensuring the world’s goods continue to get where they need to go. The first cargo-only flight departs from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) tomorrow, March 20, landing at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) March 21. The Boeing 777-300 will operate two round trips between DFW and FRA over the course of four days, carrying only cargo and necessary flight personnel. This is the first scheduled cargo-only flight since 1984 when American retired the last of its Boeing 747 freighters.

The 777-300 has 14 cargo positions for large pallets and can carry more than 100,000 pounds. The four scheduled flights this weekend are expected to be booked to capacity and transport medical supplies, mail for active U.S. military, telecommunications equipment and electronics that will support people working from home, and e-commerce packages. The flights provide much-needed cargo capacity for many of the airline’s regular cargo customers, allowing them to continue operating in this challenging environment.

Air cargo has always played a key role in times of crisis, delivering lifesaving medical supplies and materials to keep the world’s infrastructure intact. In the face of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, this role has never been more important as the world relies more on e-commerce to support basic needs during quarantines and social distancing. The airlines’ role is deemed a critical infrastructure industry by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“We have a critical role to play in keeping essential goods moving during this unprecedented time, and we are proud to do our part and find ways to continue to serve our customers and our communities,” said Rick Elieson, President of Cargo and Vice President of International Operations. “Challenging times call for creative solutions, and a team of people across the airline has been working nonstop to arrange cargo-only flight options for our customers.”

Cargo-only flights, while not carrying customers, continue to require a group effort from American’s team members across every function. From the first call to a customer to the last cargo offloaded from the plane, team members and vendor partners contribute to these efforts.

“It’s an honor to be part of these cargo-only flights,” said Ken Jarrell, Fleet Service Clerk, Cargo Services – DFW. “They represent much needed aid for the world and hope for our team. Our team members across the airline are ready and willing to do what it takes to make sure people have the things they need during these unprecedented times.”

Domestically, American continues to carry cargo on all of its planes. The smaller narrowbody aircraft are especially vital in supporting the world’s economy, delivering medicine and e-commerce goods. This week the airline also transported its first shipment of COVID-19 test kits from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Chicago O’Hare Airport. American continues to work to provide solutions for our customers and world governments to protect the public health and keep the global economy moving during this time of need.


Newsroom - American Airlines Announces Cargo-Only Flights to Help Keep Business Moving - American Airlines Group, Inc. (http://news.aa.com/news/news-details/2020/American-Airlines-Announces-Cargo-Only-Flights-to-Help-Keep-Business-Moving-OPS-DIS-03/default.aspx)

[Longtimer]

https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/SC_CargoSeatBags%20luggage%20transport%20final%20_publicatio n.pdf
Proposed Special Condition on Installation of Cargo Seat Bags for the purpose of transporting passenger luggage

[EddieHeli]

I read an article once about Lufthansa having quick change planes that converted the passenger deck to Cargo with the seats being removed overnight with the planes flying cargo all night and the seats put back in for the first morning pax flight. The planes had a cargo door on the pax deck,strengthened floors and palletised seats and used cargo bins like the cargo deck.

[Airbubba]

The first American Airlines B-773 cargo flight AA9440 DFW-FRA is airborne:

https://www.flightradar24.com/AAL9440/243d476b (https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/aa9440%3ca%20href=#243d476b)

[homonculus]

All stirring stuff chaps but the reality is that governments in the west are waking up far too late and locking down. The result will be many months of suppressed commercial activity and the need for restocking will fall dramatically. No cars being built, no houses being built etc etc. Shipping remains extremely safe as sailors are effectively isolated. Food needs to continue but transportation overall will fall. There is nothing to stop normal road, rail and sea deliveries. So why should air freight increase?

[infrequentflyer789]

KLM is prioritizing and moving forward phasing out their B747s.
As KLM is flying with 747 combis, ie half freighter half pax, and they are still stopping the flights with those aircraft, is there really a market for extra cargo?
i know KLM is not so fast moving, but I expected them to jump into such an opportunity if it exists

You are assuming this will be sorted out in a "market" way, with ITTs, tenders, lowest bidder etc., I suspect that is last-year thinking.

I don't have any inside info from aviation any more (other than whats on here), but I do from other sectors and I can tell you that there are a lot of government "requests" out there that are phrased in a way that really doesn't sound voluntary, and the next step will undoubtedly be compulsion. Little of this is in the media because those involved are already being put under blanket orders that forbid mentioning it, allegedly. There are lots of plans going into place, which is good, but those plans are for very scary things and basically a war footing, we need to be thinking wartime requisitioning.

Now add into the mix that airlines are asking governments for huge bailouts, it is not a stretch to envisage those bailouts coming with big strings attached along the lines of "all your planes (and crews) are belong to us" (for next N months).

[TyroPicard]

Lufthansa is not going to fly in cabbages to Germany now.
Wot, no sauerkraut?

[foxcharliep2]

Wot, no sauerkraut?

That would be the Wurst Käs scenario ... :-)

[MarkD]

What about unparking some A380s?

[misd-agin]

The first American Airlines B-773 cargo flight AA9440 DFW-FRA is airborne:

https://www.flightradar24.com/AAL9440/243d476b (https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/aa9440%3ca%20href=#243d476b)
777-300 crossed the pond at FL380. They were relatively light to cross at FL380. No pax = less weight.

[WhatsaLizad?]

All plans have been shelved due to a veto vote on the advisory board.

Greta didn't like the use of aircraft, preferred sailboats. ;)

[krismiler]

Air freight is expensive and normally for perishable, high value and time sensitive cargo. With the increase in the amount of hold space available in pax aircraft due to larger size and bigger engines, together with increased frequency of services, the need for pure freighter aircraft had been reduced. Now there has been a sudden drop in available capacity but that could soon be matched by a drop in demand as the economy freefalls. Interesting times.

[Kitoro Kid]

Without a 9G barrier between the cabin and flt deck, loading cargo on the main deck after removal of seats will never happen. On top of that, the floor area on a pax aircraft is not strengthened compared to a combi or freighter, unless you plan to move flip flops on the main deck, it is a non starter!

Loading mail sacks strapped to a seat might work though?

[scr1]

Used to seat load newspapers on the Loganair S340 from inv to syy

[Rarife]

What about unparking some A380s?

Not a good idea. Compartmens are not that big especialy compared to weight of aircraft. B777-300 is much better option.

[Passenger 99]

Not a good idea. Compartmens are not that big especialy compared to weight of aircraft. B777-300 is much better option.

So what would be involved in converting these presumably perfectly serviceable A 380s for freight use? Economically possibly a good way of keeping maintenance staff in work.

[kiwi grey]

Without a 9G barrier between the cabin and flt deck, loading cargo on the main deck after removal of seats will never happen. On top of that, the floor area on a pax aircraft is not strengthened compared to a combi or freighter, unless you plan to move flip flops on the main deck, it is a non starter!

Loading mail sacks strapped to a seat might work though?

Boxes of face masks and other medical equipment are not heavy and could easily be seat stowed.
Chinese airlines are already doing 'mercy flights' to Europe delivering medical supplies https://simpleflying.com/chinese-airlines-aid-flights/

[Longtimer]

Back in the day:
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1352x1366/seatpack_49b5de96d72c25b9031d4c263acd5dc00160289d.jpg


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1460x2000/seatpack2_aa7436e0b0d982a5e147a7c34fc707be90e88334.jpg

[Longtimer]

Air Canada Begins Operating Cargo-only Flights Carrying Vital Supplies, Necessary Goods Français (https://www.newswire.ca/fr/news-releases/air-canada-commence-a-exploiter-des-vols-de-fret-uniquement-pour-transporter-des-fournitures-et-des-marchandises-essentielles-872306684.html)NEWS PROVIDED BY
Air Canada (https://www.newswire.ca/news/air-canada)Mar 25, 2020, 10:04 ET

SHARE THIS ARTICLE https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/air-canada-begins-operating-cargo-only-flights-carrying-vital-supplies-necessary-goods-826789173.html
Shipments between Canada and Europe, South America and Latin America

MONTREAL, March 25, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada said today that through its Air Canada Cargo division it has begun using its aircraft to operate cargo-only flights to Europe, with other flights planned for Latin America and South America. The aircraft on these flights carry no passengers but move time-sensitive shipments, including medical supplies to combat COVID-19, and goods to support the global economy.

"Air Canada Cargo has long served as a vital link in global supply chains and with the disruption arising from the COVID-19 pandemic our capabilities are more important than ever. Although we have announced very significant temporary capacity reductions and our passenger flights are largely dedicated to bringing Canadians home, Air Canada's aircraft and our expertise in handling cargo are valuable assets that we can use to move medical supplies and other essential goods to keep the world economy going. We have already begun flights to Europe, and we are planning to expand this program to Latin America and South America, as well as within Canada, including remote communities using Air Canada Express aircraft. In addition to providing a much-needed service, these cargo-only flights are also supporting jobs at Air Canada," said Tim Strauss, Vice President of Cargo, at Air Canada.

The first cargo-only flights departed from Toronto this past week for Frankfurt, London and Amsterdam, which are all both important business centres and connection points for onward cargo shipments. The flights were operated using Boeing 787 aircraft capable of carrying 35 tonnes of cargo, the equivalent of about 80 grand pianos. Shippers and freight forwarders using the service are charged a flat rate for both directions and Air Canada Cargo is also introducing a fractional program, so shippers who do not require a whole aircraft can book space. The arrangements with the shippers and freight forwarders contain clear provisions to ensure that these essential goods are being sold at fair market rates and to authorized suppliers.

Air Canada Cargo is now exploring opportunities to offer this service domestically. It is working with various governments to assess the demand and assist in moving relief goods from multiple markets within Canada. This includes using smaller Air Canada Express regional aircraft to operate to less-well served, smaller or remote regions in Canada with medical and other emergency supplies in support of local governments.

Air Canada does not operate cargo aircraft, instead its Air Canada Cargo division manages and markets excess belly space on the airline's regular passenger flights for shippers operating worldwide. To facilitate the cargo-only flights, Air Canada Cargo has created five, segment-specific sales teams to focus on the unique needs of the customers at different levels in the supply chain. For more information, including shipper inquiries, please see https://www.aircanada.com/cargo/en/ (https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2760340-1&h=1062318529&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aircanada.com%2Fcargo%2Fen%2F&a=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aircanada.com%2Fcargo%2Fen%2F).

[Aso]

KLM is prioritizing and moving forward phasing out their B747s.
As KLM is flying with 747 combis, ie half freighter half pax, and they are still stopping the flights with those aircraft, is there really a market for extra cargo?
i know KLM is not so fast moving, but I expected them to jump into such an opportunity if it exists

Being run by non aviation managers they probably dont even know that they have these aircraft.... Parking the 747 combi's now is the most stupid idea by #KLM

[Airbubba]

What media sources have vetted this rumour?

Here's a source:

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/765x561/lh1_bf229ee8ce721da9e6176fa7945b3b8c34303bf4.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/764x568/lh2_e1145c6add55d3f89d3351b74fdc9fb1446a4ce7.jpg
https://twitter.com/lufthansaNews

[ATC Watcher]

Never underestimate the ingenuity of aviation people to get things into an airplane ...

[RobertP]

You are incorrect viz the rocket science. Seat rails and the underlying structural attachments do not meet the load requirements for freight, even lightweight stuff. Neither do many passenger cabins have sufficient protection for the flight deck should the freight move or detach in emergency landing conditions.

[BalusKaptan]

Some countries, if not all, do not require regs to be changed to carry dangerous goods on pax a/c. Though CAO stands for Cargo Aircraft Only what it really means is no passengers allowed when CAO carried except certain exemptions which will be list in the airlines AOC. It is quite acceptable and in fact quite common for CAO to be carried on so-called pax a/c and has been going on as standard practice for well over my 39 years of experiencing it in the various countries I have worked in.

[foxcharliep2]

Thank you @Airbubba for the link and information on Lufthansa.

[Rarife]

So what would be involved in converting these presumably perfectly serviceable A 380s for freight use? Economically possibly a good way of keeping maintenance staff in work.

Well, nothing from this point of view. Their cargo holds are normal and can carry cargo. You could put stuff to the seats as Lufthansa did, no problem. I just though that B777-300ER is more practical thing and it would be probably cheaper. Cargo hold is way bigger so it would be easier to load and it would fly cheaper back to Europe.

[a_q]

BBC News story uk-england-dorset-52460823 (can't post the link) shows boxes of gowns strapped to seats.'NHS' passenger plane brings PPE from ChinaA passenger plane bearing the logo "Thank you NHS" has landed in the UK with a cargo of surgical gowns from China.

The Airbus 340, with boxes strapped into every seat, arrived earlier at Bournemouth Airport.....

[Gove N.T.]

“China is rapidly increasing manufacturing to before Covid-19 levels and even higher for priority products.”
I would think that people need to be cautious about buying goods from China given the number of shoddy
Covid testing packs that country sold. I shall certainly attempt to look elsewhere for any goods I buy in the future. It may be difficult because so many goods have a China content.

[Ancient-Mariner]

Airbus has developed a way for airlines to use widebody aircraft just for cargo operations during COVID-19 pandemic.
Airbus has developed a way for airlines to use widebody aircraft just for cargo operations during COVID-19 pandemic (http://www.deeside.com/airbus-has-developed-a-way-for-airlines-to-use-widebody-aircraft-just-for-cargo-operations-during-covid-19-pandemic/)
Clive

[tdracer]

Airbus has developed a way for airlines to use widebody aircraft just for cargo operations during COVID-19 pandemic.
Airbus has developed a way for airlines to use widebody aircraft just for cargo operations during COVID-19 pandemic (http://www.deeside.com/airbus-has-developed-a-way-for-airlines-to-use-widebody-aircraft-just-for-cargo-operations-during-covid-19-pandemic/)
Clive
How are they going to get those pallets through the door?

[Flying Clog]

Too much weight concentrated on a per square foot floor space anyway. Cannot. Unless their VERY light cargo.

[Havingwings4ever]

Guess Airbus is seeing the demand for such things. Our outfit, just cargo widebodies, is very busy with this Covid driven demand.

I remember years ago when we had a cargo(side) door inop on outstation they brought all the cargo in through the main, pax door(whatever fit) and build up the pallets inside the ac.
We had to extend our duty time but they did an amazing job building those pallets inside the ac.
That was on my fav ac, MD11, treat her like a woman...