DB Schenker has announced the transport of personal protective equipment from China to New York City via charter flights delivering supplies to COVID-19 distribution centres, for health care workers in local area hospitals and elderly nursing homes. The cargo, which consists of personal protective equipment such as medical goggles, gloves and gowns, is being picked up in several locations throughout China, transported to the US on direct charter flights and delivered to special COVID-19 distribution centres in the city.
Benno Forster, Senior Vice President and Head of Airfreight Operations and Procurement for DB Schenker Americas, said, “We worked with New York City and their consultants to determine the most efficient, economical, and time-sensitive way to get much needed PPE from suppliers in China to New York City.
Our discussions included guidance related to Chinese Customs export clearance and compliance, US Customs import clearance regulations, warehousing and distribution, pricing, and even recommendations for the best-suited aircraft for transporting this precious cargo”. Through the end of May, DB Schenker will have operated over 100 charter flights between Shanghai, Shenzhen, Shandong, and Beijing and Munich, Germany for European distribution and Newark, New Jersey, transporting more than 4,000 tons of medical supplies.
In the coming weeks, DB Schenker aims to add charter flights to other destinations in the US, including Chicago, Illinois. DB Schenker also reports to have partnered with Icelandair converting three Boeing 767 passenger aircraft to an all-cargo configuration for DB Schenker’s use, creating an additional 200 cubic ft of cargo space. The fuselage of the plane will include DB Schenker branding.
