The airline is one of many around the world that has been instrumental in getting vaccines to the communities that need them.
March 10th marked the date the billionth COVID vaccine was shipped through Brussels Airport. This milestone shipment left the airport onboard United Airlines flight UA973, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (N27959) heading to Chicago. The flight safely landed 27 minutes ahead of schedule at O’Hare International Airport.
This is the same United Airlines that imposed a vaccine mandate upon its employees last summer as part of a strategy to help end COVID-19, with some resignations over the matter. United Airlines issued a celebratory statement with Manu Jacobs, Director of Specialty Products at United saying,
“While the pandemic continues to affect communities around the world, it’s more important than ever that people all over the globe have access to vaccines. COVID has highlighted the need for collaboration to keep our customers and employees safe, and we’re grateful to work with Brussels Airport as we continue to combat this pandemic. The entire United team continues to prioritize moving critical shipments as part of our commitment to supporting the global supply chain.”
United flew the billionth vaccine on its 787 Dreamliner. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying
Other US airlines hauling COVID-19 vaccines
Other airlines have helped with COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Back in December 2020, when the US first authorized vaccines – and only for those in high-risk situations – FedEx was the first US airline to haul vaccines in the domestic US.
Alaska Airlines charged thru the Alaskan winter with its Boeing 737 and Embraer 175 flying dogsleds to deliver vaccines to rural Alaskans as soon as they were available. Of course, the famous Alaskan Iditarod dogsled race started in earnest to deal with a previous…
