BA are increasing the number of cargo-only flights from China to the UK to 21 a week (Pictures: PA)

British Airways is boosting the number of cargo flights from China to bring in more vital supplies for health workers.

From next month the airline will increase the number of journeys into London from Shanghai and Beijing each week from 13 up to 21.

They will each carry up to 770 tonnes of cargo for the NHS, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators, alongside private freight.

British Airways is operating the flights in partnership with its sister company, IAG Cargo, and the Government.


One of the cargo-only flights from China to London (Picture: PA)

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The flights will be able to carry up to 770 tonnes of cargo for the NHS each week, including PPE and ventilators (Picture: PA)

Its first cargo-only trip during the coronavirus pandemic was on April 9.



Last week it began carrying freight in the cabin – as well as the hold – for the first time.

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The British embassy is working alongside the Department of Health to procure medical equipment from China and deliver it to NHS hospitals.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: ‘These flights will help us deliver essential equipment to the NHS and for others who are working on the front line.

‘Coronavirus is a global challenge and we are focused on working with our international partners to stop the spread of the virus and save lives.’

British Airways chief executive Alex Cruz said: ‘As an airline we are in a unique position to help in the global response to Covid-19, whether it is through carrying UK residents back home, transporting vital cargo back to the NHS, or through our colleagues who are offering their skills to volunteer.

‘We’re proud to be playing our part, and I’m grateful to everyone who is working to make these flights happen in these difficult times.’

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