Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Airbus A350-1000 continues fight against COVID-19

Aerospace

Airbus A350-1000 continues fight against COVID-19

Airbus is continuing to purchase and supply millions of face masks from China, the large majority of which will be donated to governments of the Airbus home countries, namely France, Germany, Spain and the UK.

Above: A350-1000 at loading masks in Tianjin, China.
Copyright Airbus

An Airbus flight test crew has just completed its latest mission with an A350-1000 test aircraft. This is the third of such missions between Europe and China. The aircraft returned to France with a cargo of 4 million face masks on Sunday 5 April.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The A350-1000 left Toulouse, France, on Friday 3rd April, reaching the Airbus site in Tianjin, China on 4 April and returning to Hamburg the same day.

Since mid-March, the previous two missions were performed by and A330-800, and A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). Airbus also deployed an A400M and its Beluga fleet to transport shipments of masks between its European sites, in France, Germany, the UK and Spain.

Airbus will continue to support the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic wherever possible.

"I would like to pay tribute to all the Airbus teams, globally, supporting the fight against COVID-19. They're living our values in assisting those who are saving lives every day”, said Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO. "

Airbus is focused on the health and safety of its employees and supporting its customers and the industry eco-system with business continuity. At the same time Airbus is contributing to many vital public and private services and working with partners who rely on aircraft, helicopters, space and security solutions to carry out life-saving missions in support of the global pandemic. 

Airbus is deploying its employees, their expertise and know-how and leveraging technology in this fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, for example in designing and manufacturing ventilators and 3D printed visors which are critical resources for hospitals.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The Company is partnering with other organisations in unprecedented ways to achieve this goal as fast as possible.

 

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
CAA publishes consultation on shortlist of Heathrow regulatory models for expansion

Aerospace

CAA publishes consultation on shortlist of Heathrow regulatory models for expansion

15 May 2026

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today launched a consultation on a shortlist of regulatory models that could apply to capacity expansion at Heathrow Airport.

Prof. Malcolm Macdonald assumes Presidency of RAeS

Aerospace

Prof. Malcolm Macdonald assumes Presidency of RAeS

14 May 2026

Professor Malcolm Macdonald FRAeS assumes the Presidency of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) - the oldest aeronautical society in the world and the only professional body dedicated to the entire aerospace community - taking up the post of President following the formal announcement at the Society’s AGM this month.

Farnborough Airport to display Richard Cresswell

Aerospace Events

Farnborough Airport to display Richard Cresswell's Spitfire-inspired sculpture

14 May 2026

Farnborough Airport has announced the installation of a striking aviation-inspired sculpture in partnership with The Sculpture Park, Farnham, which will be on display at the Airport from early May through to the beginning of August 2026.

NPAS gains funding for additional helicopters

Aerospace Security

NPAS gains funding for additional helicopters

14 May 2026

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has welcomed confirmation from the UK Minister of State for Policing and Crime that funding has been approved for two additional brand-new police helicopters to complement its National Fleet Replacement Programme (FRP).

Advertisement
ODU RT
K3Metrology secures UKI2S advanced manufacturing support

Aerospace

K3Metrology secures UKI2S advanced manufacturing support

13 May 2026

K3Metrology, a UK spin-out from the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), has secured a £2.75 million seed investment led by the UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund (UKI2S), to commercialise a new generation of large-scale measurement technology designed to improve efficiency and reduce delays in advanced manufacturing and aerospace.

European air passenger traffic expands +3.8% in March

Aerospace

European air passenger traffic expands +3.8% in March

13 May 2026

European airport trade body ACI EUROPE today released its traffic report for March and the first quarter of 2026.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard