On 31 March 2022, AirTanker operated a relief flight carrying essential medical equipment and supplies on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), as part of the UK Government humanitarian support for Ukraine. This flight was operated free of charge on aircraft G-VYGM which transported 8 MT of cargo originating from NHS Scotland, loaded on eight lower deck pallets, from Birmingham to Warsaw, Poland.
Marking the 13th relief flight operated from the UK to Poland since the start of the crisis, over five million items have now been provided by the UK to support Ukraine. Arriving at Warsaw, the cargo which consisted of lifesaving medicines, wound packs, and intensive care equipment, will continue its journey across the border into Ukraine where it will be distributed to hospitals in need.
AirTanker has not taken payment for the costs of this flight which has been achieved in partnerships with many organisations; BHX Airport provided landing fees, RAF Brize Norton covered the costs for the handling, catering and landing fees, Aviation Consultants provided supervisory flight representation in Birmingham, DNATA in Birmingham loaned a set of pallets and JS Logistics transported empty pallets back to Birmingham. Handling in Birmingham was provided by Blue City Aviation and DNATA, and handling in Warsaw was provided by LS Airport Services.
Chief Executive Officer of AirTanker, said:
“All the team here at AirTanker are committed to finding ways to help the people of Ukraine. We are pleased to be able to support the DHSC and FCDO in the work they are doing to provide vital supplies and much needed medical support to Ukraine. This flight is a small thing that we at AirTanker were able to contribute towards the significant relief being given to those in need.”
“As an organisation we remain agile and available to support and will continue to do all we can to help the humanitarian relief effort in Ukraine.”
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid, said:
“Giving five million items of medical aid to Ukraine has truly been a collective effort, with airlines, cargo handlers, and the incredible NHS in each of the four nations all playing their part in donating and delivering these lifesaving products.
“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone at AirTanker for all their work in delivering this cargo to the region for free.
“The UK’s playing a leading role in the humanitarian response. We’ll continue to remain in close contact with our Ukrainian friends to ensure we’re giving them the help they need.”
AirTanker provides Air-to-Air Refuelling to the RAF through the Voyager which has been helping to reinforce NATO’s response to the Russia-Ukraine crisis. The Voyager has provided fuel to RAF Typhoons, enabling greater range and endurance to support NATO’s defence mission.
Related articles: UK medical aid donations to Ukraine hits five million items (.GOV)