Plus Ultra operated more than twenty cargo flights to five autonomous communities, transporting medical supplies

During 2020, Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas operated 57 cargo flights transporting medical supplies from China to five European countries. Spain was the destination for 21 flights, which landed in five Autonomous Communities.
In light of the confusing information published on this matter, the company summarizes the key points of its operations during those months in 2020:

1. In 2020, Plus Ultra converted its Airbus A340-600 aircraft into freighters due to the shutdown of regular activity and after the EU authorized the change of use from passenger to cargo. The A340 was one of the best aircraft for this conversion due to its volume and long-range capabilities.
2. Despite the circumstances, Plus Ultra made four long-haul aircraft and the necessary infrastructure—both human and operational—available to provide service at that time.
3. In 2020, Plus Ultra carried out a total of 57 cargo flights to 5 countries. Of these, between April and June 2020, 21 flights transported medical supplies from China to five autonomous communities such as Madrid, Andalusia, Catalonia, the Valencian Community and the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands received 4 flights, operated in April and May. The first flight was destined for Valencia on April 9, and the last one to Málaga on June 2.
4. All cargo contracts were made with logistics companies or brokers. None were made with public administrations.
5. All flights were profitable, although margins were low due to market conditions and the company’s situation (commercial activity halted, workforce under furlough schemes, aircraft converted into freighters or dedicated to repatriation missions). The sharp drop in fuel prices during the first months enabled fares that, under normal circumstances, would have been impossible without incurring losses.
6. Plus Ultra consistently offered the most competitive price possible. Combined with the attitude of its crews at Chinese airports—who even personally assisted with loading operations—this made the airline a very attractive option for transporting medical supplies, as evidenced by flights operated for the same purpose to countries such as Germany, Greece, Italy and Slovenia.
7. The cargo operations between China and the Canary Islands took place several months before the Government created the support fund for companies affected by the pandemic, and nearly a year before Plus Ultra accessed the loans authorized by the Fund, alongside four other Spanish airlines.