247 Lifeline Udan flights operated  to transport 418 tons of medical supplies across the country

MoCA core group was formed with important stakeholders for undertaking Lifeline UDN initiative to transport essential medical cargo to remote parts of the country to support India’s war against COVID-19. These Hub and spoke lifeline services were started from March 26, 2020, said Rajeev Jain, ADG (Media) for MoCA. During a press briefing, Jain provided an overview of Lifeline Udan initiative by MoCA during lockdown period and informed that 247 flights have been operated under Lifeline Udan by Air India, Alliance Air, IAF and private carriers. 154 of these flights have been operated by Air India and Alliance Air. Cargo transported till date is more than 418 tons. Aerial distance covered by Lifeline Udan flights till date is more than 2.45 lakh kms.

Air India, Alliance Air, IAF and private carriers are operating flights to deliver essential items including medical supplies with special focus on the North East Region, island territories and the hill states. Air India and IAF collaborated primarily for J&K, Ladakh, North-East and other island regions. Helicopter services including Pawan Hans have been operating in J&K, Ladakh and North East region transporting critical medical cargo and patients.

In the International Sector, an air-bridge has been established with China with effect from April 4, 2020, for transportation of pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and COVID-19 relief material. Within South Asia, Air India transported medical supplies to Colombo.

Air India operated first flight under Krishi Udan programme between Mumbai and London on April 13, 2020, carrying 29 tons of fruits and vegetables to London and returned with 15.6 Tons of general cargo material. Air India operated its second flight between Mumbai and Frankfurt on 15 April 2020 under the Krishi Udan programme, carrying 27 tons of seasonal fruits and vegetables to Frankfurt and returned with 10 tons of general cargo.