Volga-Dnepr Airlines delivers urgent mobile ICU units from Maastricht
Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Volga-Dnepr Airlines delivered oversized medical supplies to the remote Caribbean islands of the Netherlands Saint Martin and Saint Eustatius as soon as possible.
The Netherlands Ministry of Health, Culture and Sports has called for assistance in the supply of medical infrastructure to the Dutch Caribbean.
The flights were operated on behalf of the manufacturer of mobile hospitals Hospitainer. The program involved two sides of the IL76-TD-90VD, which made four charter flights in one week.
Departing from Maastricht, the Netherlands, planes landed at the famous Princess Juliana St. Martin International Airport, known worldwide for its low approach over the beach.
Volga-Dnepr Airlines delivered two 40-foot ICU medical units received by the St. Martin Medical Center, and six 20-foot ICU medical units, later transported by a local barge to St. Eustatius Island.
In addition to mobile hospitals, Volga-Dnepr Airlines also assisted in the transportation of diagnostic equipment, along with fans, medical supplies and equipment for personal protective equipment from other suppliers to the Dutch authorities.
Stuart Smith, humanitarian director of Volga-Dnepr Group of Companies, who helped coordinate the project, noted that “Due to the diverse capabilities of the aircraft, our Group is able to offer services and support to companies and organizations urgently needing transportation of containers and prefabricated medical systems. The unique Volga-Dnepr fleet, combined with the professional actions of cargo planning specialists, is the result of the fact that we are often contacted for help with air cargo delivery missions that otherwise would have been impossible. ”
The unique capabilities of the Volga-Dnepr IL76-TD-90VD aircraft make it possible to maintain global supply systems, which is an urgent need for local communities. In collaboration with Hospitainer, a mobile hospital manufacturing facility, even the most isolated populations can still have access to critical project supplies, strengthening local infrastructure and supporting local prevention of the widespread pandemic.
Commenting on the situation, Hospitainer CEO Rolof Mulder said: “We work based on the belief that access to a doctor, dentist or midwife cannot be a privilege - healthcare should be accessible to everyone. We are aware that many people around the world do not have these tools at hand, and we hope that we can help provide medical care where it is critically needed. Our products are always available, and our mission is to act quickly and with enthusiasm in our work. ”
Volga-Dnepr Group of Companies has many years of experience responding to emergencies and humanitarian situations, and today plays an important role in international air transportation, fighting COVID-19. Currently, tens of thousands of cubic meters of medical equipment and materials have been delivered on board the Group to more than 25 countries around the world.
Ekaterina Andreeva, Commercial Director for Freight Charter Transportation of Volga-Dnepr Group of Companies in the European Region, noted: “Great attention is paid to the planning of cargo delivery to remote airports, especially in the current situation in aviation of complex restrictive measures. However, thanks to our 30 years of experience in charter operations, we are convinced that aviation supply systems will continue to provide international communities with the opportunity to remain connected to lifelines. ”