China-Mexico Air Corridor

A total of 20 aircraft carry medical supplies to Mexico from Shanghai to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

- JUAN CARLOS AGUILAR

SINCE April 8, 16 aircraft have arrived at Mexico City International Airport from Shanghai carrying personal protective equipment to fight the coronavirus pandemic. As of now, more than 170 tons of medical materials have landed and been distributed among the medical personnel of public hospitals across the country.

The unprecedented operation was dubbed the “China-Mexico Air Corridor,” allowing the Latin American nation to stock up on much needed medical supplies to cope with the current pandemic. On average, there have been two flights per week, each carrying approximately 10 tons of materials. The plan will use 20 aircraft to transport 200 tons of medical supplies, including KN95 and surgical masks, protective goggles, COVID-19 test kits, and ventilators, among others.

This feat has not only involved streamlining diplomatic channels, but also entailed solving technical issues to allow 20 aircraft, all from Aeroméxico, to safely cross the Pacific Ocean 40 times in just 10 weeks, completing more than 600 flight hours.

According to Ricardo Cárdenas Orozco, executive coordinator of Sanitary Supervision and Surveillance of the Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks, the supplies meet the highest quality standard and comply with all the necessary commercial regulations.

Solidarity Among People

This complex operation was motivated by the profound friendship that unites both countries ever since diplomatic relations were established on February 14, 1972, during Luis Echeverría’s government (1970-1976). Forty-eight years have gone by since then, and now, in the midst of the current pandemic emergency, the bond has been further reaffirmed through these friendly deeds.