50 millionth PPE mask flown in to Prestwick Airport

The number of protective masks flown into Scotland has topped 50 million after a fifth cargo aircraft arrived at Prestwick Airport.

The CargoLogic Boeing 747 jumbo jet at Prestwick. Picture: Prestwick Airport.

The shipment from China by freight airline CargoLogicAir on Monday follows other supplies including intensive care unit equipment and testing kits.

NHS Scotland said further such flights to the South Ayrshire airport were scheduled.

A spokesperson for NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) said: “The regular series of flights from China continue to bring vital supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) to Scotland.

“This supply pipeline was the result of a painstaking collective effort involving multiple partners.

“It has helped us further strengthen our capability to provide our NHS and social care colleagues with the PPE they need to keep them safe.

“More than 50 million PPE masks have been flown in since the first of the weekly flights landed at Prestwick on 18 April.

“Large quantities of other crucial items, including equipment for intensive care units and testing kits, have also been brought to Scotland on these flights.

“They are scheduled to continue as part of a larger commercial contract, ensuring ongoing supply of PPE to NHS Scotland.

“NSS continues to work 24/7 to ensure vital PPE supplies, both from abroad and within Scotland, get to the front line as swiftly as possible.”

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