KLM has flown its 100th Cargo-in-Cabin flight between Shanghai and the Netherlands.
Since their inception, the three Boeing 747 Combi aircraft have carried more than 85 million face masks in the fight against COVID-19.
What now fits into the cabin corresponds roughly with six large pallets – roughly 40% of the aircraft’s total cargo capacity. The extra space is being used to carry additional medical supplies to the Netherlands.
Each week, some seven Cargo-in-Cabin flights depart for Shanghai. More than 90% of the aircraft’s load consists of face masks. Additionally, other medical supplies including surgical gloves and gowns are carried back.
A pool of 60 Cargo colleagues have been trained to work on these flights. They carry out these tasks voluntarily in combination with their other duties and responsibilities.
KLM President & CEO Pieter Elbers stated: “The crisis impacting us, and the aviation sector is unparalleled, and KLM is facing enormous challenges. In my opinion, the Cargo-in-Cabin concept symbolises the resilience, creativity and flexibility of our employees, who work day-in, day-out to keep our business running. When we had dozens of aircraft parked for weeks on end and less capacity as a result, our cargo division pulled out all the stops to meet the rapidly growing demand for medical supplies. Tens of millions of products have been transported safely and efficiently on passenger seats in recent months. I would like to thank all the KLM employees who worked so hard to make this possible!”
