Supports Air Cargo Flights to Expedite Delivery of Medical Supplies
May 5, 2020 – San Bernardino, CA: San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) is working with its cargo partners to support flights carrying essential medical supplies requiring timely delivery to COVID-19 hotspots. Located in the heart of Southern California, SBD is well-positioned to help efficiently expedite these shipments throughout the region. The Airport accommodates over 30-weekly cargo arrivals that include wide-body aircraft, used by UPS and FedEx to accelerate distribution of critical supplies.
Both carriers play a central role in swiftly delivering critical medical supplies throughout the country, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s, Project Air Bridge that sources personal protective equipment (PPE) and ships these products by air to reduce transit time from weeks to days to ensure critical PPE reaches the hardest-hit locations as demand soars across the U.S.
“Airports are an essential part of the nation’s infrastructure, particularly in times of crisis when they can play a vital role in supporting emergency response and management,” says Mark Gibbs, Director of Aviation. “We are committed to doing our part to speed the distribution of resources so urgently needed during this pandemic.”
Through a public-private partnership managed by the federal government, Project Air Bridge has facilitated the delivery of 33 million masks, 56 million N-95 respirators, and over 10,000 ventilators to healthcare facilities as well as to state and local governments.
“In addition to the increase in scheduled cargo volume, SBD is prepared to accept additional cargo flights, including charters, to support the rapid deployment of sensitive medical equipment to the local region as well as to maintain continuity for ecommerce deliveries,” says Nikolas Persson, Airport Manager at SBD International Airport. SBD is equipped with a Group VI runway to accommodate the world’s largest aircraft, while skilled staff and specialized equipment ensure quick cargo handling and efficient turn times. Additionally, onsite U.S. Customs expedites international clearances, and the Airport’s facilities include bonded storage warehouse
About SBD International Airport: Located approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles and within 30 minutes of more than two million people, the former Norton Air Force Base was converted to civilian use in 1992 and later became certified as a commercial airport by the FAA. The Airport now offers a full range of services and facilities to support general aviation and large-scale cargo operations in the Southern California region, including onsite U.S. Customs, air cargo services, general aviation hangars, and maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) businesses. Also on-site is Luxivair SBD, a best-in-class FBO. The Airport is home to the San Bernardino Regional Emergency Training Center and the U.S. Department of Forestry Airtanker Base. SBD is positioning itself to provide domestic and international passenger service. www.sbdairport.com
