FedEx Express has mobilised its network to support SMEs as they work to rebound after it had been asked by the French authorities to support the delivery of 9m facemasks to supply the distribution circuit. Cooperation is carried out daily with governmental authorities, especially with the Gendarmerie Nationale (Police), to ensure that the goods are transported safely and securely.
The company is processing thousands of medical shipments daily through its European hub based at Paris-Charles de Gaulle. That includes personal protective equipment, clinical trials, vital medical supplies, equipment, and PCR test sequencing kits that will help screen the population, and are transported to hospitals, retirement homes and other medical facilities located throughout France.
Jean Muls, vice president, Air Hub Operations Europe, FedEx Express stated. “The COVID-19 situation has generated an unprecedented demand for air freight transport from Asia to Europe. In April, we increased our flights between Asia and Europe by almost 50% with our CDG hub playing a vital part. A real air connection is in place and FedEx is playing a major role.”
Mathilde Goffard,vice president Ground Operations France, added, “We have implemented procedures such as special labels to identify and prioritize medical and COVID-19 related shipments. This supports the control processes of government authorities and also helps to ensure the best possible service by our teams.”
FedEx Express has transported 17,100 tons of personal protective equipment globally since February 1, to help combat COVID-19. Around 45%, or the equivalent of 7,800 tonnes are mask shipments. Some of its daily relief efforts include the shipment of 300,000 masks for a temporary field hospital in Madrid, the shipment of breathing equipment to eight hospitals in Northern Italy from the Netherlands, and five shipments underway with Direct Relief, totalling 4m facemasks and 50,000 face shields from China to the United States.
Source: FedEx
