April 23, 2020
Aviation businesses of all kinds are supporting the COVID-19 response by producing or distributing medical supplies like personal protective equipment (PPE), with Gulfstream, Honeywell and NetJets among some of the latest examples.
Savannah, GA-based manufacturer Gulfstream Aerospace recently donated more than 3,500 N95 masks and 3,100 protection suits to hospitals and health organizations. In partnership with General Dynamics’ sister companies, Gulfstream is pursuing Food and Drug Administration approval of 3D-printed nasal test swabs and is using 3D printers to produce adapters for a Canadian clinical trial that aims to convert existing medical equipment into usable ventilators.
Gulfstream has also made cash donations to charitable organizations in communities where the company has a major presence, including Dallas, TX, Long Beach, CA, and Appleton, WI.
“Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work by donating supplies and making financial contributions to hospitals, governments and non-profit organizations on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic,” read a company release.
Engine and avionics manufacturer Honeywell has expanded manufacturing operations in some locations and altered capabilities in others to produce millions of N95 masks and safety glasses. The masks will be delivered to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support emergency-response workers.
“We are honored to support the U.S. government’s efforts to protect Americans with personnel protective equipment made right here in the United States,” said Darius Adamczyk, Honeywell chairman and CEO, in a company release. “Our Rhode Island facility already produces industry-leading safety gear and soon will play a critical role in supplying the Strategic National Stockpile with N95 masks.”
Meanwhile, fractional ownership and charter operator NetJets recently flew two Bombardier Global 6000s to China, returning with 5.5 tons of medical equipment. NetJets also partnered with Ric Edelman, founder of a top independent financial advisory firm, to fly more than 7,000 N95 masks from California’s Van Nuys Airport (VNY) to Teterboro Airport (TEB) in New Jersey. From there, the masks were delivered to New York City area hospitals.