More than 400,000 surgical masks, donated by Airbus to the NHS, have been collected today from Airbus’ Broughton plant.

Airbus has established an ‘air-bridge’ to China using Airbus test aircraft to bring large quantities of surgical masks to Europe to support governments in the fight against COVID-19.

To date, several million face masks have been donated to national health authorities in Europe for distribution based on need.

The first UK consignment of face masks arrived at Broughton from Airbus’ HQ in Toulouse, France, this week. More donations of masks are expected over the coming weeks.

Katherine Bennett CBE, SVP for Airbus in the UK, said: “In the last days Airbus has donated millions of face masks to hospitals and public services around Europe.

"Today's delivery of face masks to Airbus in Broughton will be handed over to the NHS to help the UK in its fight against COVID19.”

Secretary of Wales Simon Hart said: “I’d like to thank Airbus for their donation and for the significant impact they are making in getting emergency resources to the front line of the fight against coronavirus.

“We asked businesses to harness their capabilities and to work together with government during the pandemic, and it is inspirational to see one of the most iconic names in aviation meeting the challenge. Dealing with coronavirus is a collective national effort and Airbus’ donation will help support the NHS across the UK.”