LATAM Brazil concluded the 3,200-tonne ‘mega-operation’ to transport Chinese medical equipment and supplies to combat COVID-19 in Brazil after almost 3 months, a press release confirmed. 

Since May, more than 3,200 tonnes of cargo were transported in 45 flights, including 250 million surgical and N95 masks, monitors, respirators and other medical supplies. In addition, several tonnes of fruit were transported to Europe on the way to China. 

A total of 45 flights were carried out using five of LATAM Brazil’s Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft from 3 May to 18 July, clocking in approximately 2,800 hours and two million kilometres, with stopovers and landings made in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Amsterdam, Auckland, Santiago, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. 

LATAM Brazil said that 300 employees were part of the operation, including mechanics, operational dispatchers, pilots, copilots, supervisors, coordinators, planners, cargo personnel and ground support. 

“We can say, with absolute certainty, that this operation was a success. We are very proud that, even when facing an unprecedented challenge like this one, we were able to organize ourselves in the best way to deliver properly. I thank our professionals, who were focused on their work, and also our partners for the trust they placed in us,” said Diogo Elias, LATAM Cargo Brazil’s Director.