American Airlines has announced it will utilise its
currently grounded passenger aircraft to facilitate cargo-only flights between the
US and Europe to aid supply chains during the coronavirus pandemic.
The first cargo-only service will depart Dallas Fort Worth
International airport on 20 March, landing at Frankfurt the following day. The
Boeing 777-300 will operate two round trips between the airports over the
course of four days, carrying only cargo and necessary flight personnel.
According to American Airlines, this is its first cargo-only
flight since 1984, when it retired the last of its Boeing 747 freighters.
The 777-300 can carry more than 100,000 pounds of cargo, and
the airline said the four scheduled flights will be transporting medical
supplies, mail for active US military, telecommunications equipment and
electronics to help people working from home, as well as e-commerce packages.
Cargo-only flights using passenger aircraft are designed to
help keep goods moving internationally after American Airlines cut capacity on
these routes due to falling passenger demand and travel restrictions, according
to the carrier.
Rick Elieson, American’s president of cargo and vice
president of international operations, commented: “We have a critical role to
play in keeping essential goods moving during this unprecedented time, and we
are proud to do our part and find ways to continue to serve our customers and
our communities. Challenging times call for creative solutions, and a team of
people across the airline has been working nonstop to arrange cargo-only flight
operations for our customers.”