Aerolíneas Argentinas operates maiden flights to China and secures medical equipment

An initiative by Argentina's flag carrier to operate its first ever flights to China could eventually set the stage for a more permanent air transport route between the two countries.

Aerolíneas Argentinas flew to China on April 15 for the first time in its 70-year history. The mission was the airlift of vital medical supplies from China to help Argentina in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The route linked Buenos Aires and Shanghai in a series of flights to pick up the medical supplies.

Aerolineas Argentinas has already operated four out of the eight flights planned between late April and early May. The flights are expected to bring back 112 tons of medical supplies. The last flight will take off from Buenos Aires on May 11.

"When this pandemic ends, direct flights to China could become a possibility," the airline said in a statement.

"Fortunately, there has been a very good response from China" to give essential medical supplies, said Gustavo Girado, director of the China Studies Graduate Program, at Lanus University in Buenos Aires. "After losing many routes, the national airline has regained its importance by being available for use by President Alberto Fernandez under these circumstances."

The Southern Hemisphere will soon enter the winter season – which begins in June – and many are worried that cases of COVID-19 could hit a peak during this period.

The airline adapted its Airbus 330-200 planes for these vital flights. First, each plane carried only cargo – part of which was purchased and part donated by China – in both its cargo hold and on passenger seats.

Each aircraft can carry a maximum of 14 tons of cargo on the route, which is one of the longest in the world. The main cabin was covered with mesh to accommodate the cargo on the seats. Both the cargo hold and the main cabin carried boxes and containers.

"It is something that has never been done before by the company. I would like to congratulate all the personnel of Aerolineas Argentinas for the work in adapting, conditioning and preparing these special flights for the service of our country and, therefore, of all Argentines," the carrier's CEO Pablo Ceriani said in a statement.

"We have a pivotal role in the (supply) of critical supplies the country needs to fight this global health crisis," an Aerolineas Argentinas spokesperson told China Daily.

The trip included a stop in Auckland, New Zealand, for refuelling.

"Once Argentina learnt that there had been many problems with donations in many countries in the world, any mishap had to be avoided, so crews had to avoid any contacts (with personnel) on land in New Zealand, as the risk of losing the cargo had to be avoided, and contact with potentially infected people on land could create problems or send crews into quarantine," said Girado at Lanus University.

To make the 55-hour trip possible, each flight carried four full crews and assisting personnel – a total of 17 people. Only fuel was loaded at each stop in New Zealand and China.

"We are terribly proud of what we're doing, in serving our country," one of the pilots on the first flight said on condition of anonymity.

"The crews, all voluntary, have to stay in isolation once they return to the country. Also, the planning (for the trips) was done with great care and this was a vindication of the country's ethos on the use of state assets for the people," Girado said.

There are now about 180,000 Chinese residents in Argentina who have to go via the US, Europe or the Middle East in a long (and roundabout) flight to China, Girado said. The new route to China from Argentina could prove to be a major timesaver for all South Americans.

Due to the pandemic, Argentina has shut down all airports with no commercial flights allowed until September. During the lockdown period, the airline has plans to fly 48 special flights. The other 40 flights are for Argentine residents stranded in foreign countries to return home.

The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.