Aer Lingus is to fly five of its largest aircrafts packed with health supplies from China in a daily coronavirus mercy mission for Ireland.

Dozens of its pilots who volunteered to help with the humanitarian operation were sorting their visas in the Chinese Embassy in Dublin on Wednesday.

The airline plans to send over its Airbus A330 passenger planes to Beijing up to 60 times to collect medical equipment ordered by the HSE.

And the Aer Lingus' crew made up of pilots and engineers won't be able to get off the aircraft - as they'll be quarantined if they do.

A source told the Irish Mirror: "The airline has dropped the rule book on this one to help fight the pandemic in Ireland.

"Dozens of Aer Lingus pilots put their hand up to volunteer to make sure these essential supplies make it here.

(Image: Stock images)

"Airbus A330s are for passengers, but none will be on board.

"The seats will be absolutely packed with medical equipment such as ventilators, PPE, masks, goggles, testing kits and more.

"The pilots won't even be able to get off the aircraft or else they'll be put into quarantine.

"This required a massive change in the roster. The plan is simply: Fly, get the gear, and come home."

It's understood Aer Lingus will make the first trip from Dublin Airport to Asia on Saturday, with the airline's chiefs hoping to begin five daily return journeys from Tuesday onwards.

This will ensure up to 100,000 of much needed Covid-19 testing kits per week make it to Ireland.

The front section of the plane will be sectioned off for the staff to rest.

A spare pilot will be on board for all 11 hour flights. No cabin crew workers are expected to travel.

President of the Irish Airline Pilots Association, Captain Evan Cullen, and the airline's Director of Flight Operations, Captain John Kelly, on Monday sent a message to the company's pilots.

In the video seen by the Irish Mirror, Mr Kelly said: "Aer Lingus is now mounting a 330 freighter operation to transport these goods.

"The initial batch is 660 tonnes and this will involve 50-60 Dublin to Beijing rotations.

"The co-operation of the pilot body is requested in this programme."

Mr Cullen added: "This represents a critical contribution to prepare for and fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Together, we have the opportunity to do something extraordinary."

The Chinese Embassy in Ireland have also waived visa fees for pilots in a kind gesture to help during this crisis.

A spokesperson said: "The Embassy has already working on their visas, waiving visa fee as a small gesture of friendship.

"We also do our best to help Aer Lingus to get slots at very busy airports in Beijing. Hundreds charter flights applications there now."

On Monday, Health Minister Simon Harris told Morning Ireland that an airline had "very kindly agreed to go and collect it for us".

HSE chief Paul Reid also revealed Ireland was at an "advanced stage" of negotiations with China and other countries to secure testing kits.

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And on Tuesday night, the HSE's Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry added: “We are expecting medical supplies to come from China on Sunday.”

An Aer Lingus spokeswoman told the Irish Mirror: “Aer Lingus is fully committed to working with our government and all of the relevant authorities to support the national response to the Covid-19 pandemic.”