Boeing is now offering its 747-400LCF “Dreamlifter” cargo plane to transport critical and urgently needed supplies in a continuation of its support of COVID-19 relief efforts. The company will also be producing face shields with 3D-printing machines across the U.S.
In support of COVID-19 relief efforts and heroic healthcare professionals, we are offering our Dreamlifter cargo plane to transport critical and urgently needed supplies. We will also be producing face shields using our 3D printing machines across the US. pic.twitter.com/tfWamtGACB
— The Boeing Company (@Boeing) March 27, 2020
The Atlas Air-operated Dreamlifter is one of the largest cargo aircraft in the world, with a maximum capacity load up to around 113 tonnes or 250,000 pounds. The aircraft was used in December to deliver an integrated forward fuselage to support Boeing’s production rate increase of its 767 program. The four-unit 747-400LCF fleet has also been an integral part of the 787 supply chain, hauling wings, fuselages and other components from Japan, Italy and the U.S. to the Boeing assembly line.
Boeing began a fourteen-day suspension of all its production activities in the Puget Sound area on March 25, freeing up the Dreamlifters from their normal duties.
Boeing is coordinating closely with government officials on how best to provide support with its Dreamlifter to transport critical supplies for health care professionals.
Boeing also detailed its face-shield production plans, saying its initial production goal is to produce thousands of face shields per week, followed by production increases. The company has industrial 3D-printing machines in St. Louis, Mo.; El Segundo, Calif.; Mesa, Ariz.; Huntsville, Ala., and Philadelphia that will be used for the initial response, as long as the facilities remain in operation, consistent with federal, state and local health orders.