2nd Mar 2020 11:55
(Alliance News) - Air Partner PLC said Monday that it arranged flights to evacuate UK and Irish nationals from the cruise ship quarantined off the coast of Yokohama in Japan.
The Diamond Princess cruise ship was quarantined off the coast of Yokohama in February after a passenger tested positive for coronavirus.
The aviation services firm said it worked alongside the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office to arrange a charter flight transporting 32 passengers from Tokyo Haneda on February 21, arriving at Boscombe Down in the UK on February 22.
Air Partner said that Boeing Co's 747-400 aircraft were used for the flights. The company added that the aircraft had two levels, allowing the evacuees to be separated from the flight crew as well as an additional section in the nose, creating an isolation zone for passengers.
"Unfortunately, the spread of coronavirus has continued at pace and our thoughts remain with everyone affected. We were pleased that we could play a role in the FCO's mission to swiftly and safely repatriate British and Irish nationals quarantined on the cruise ship in Japan," said Air Partner Chief Executive Mark Briffa.
As of Sunday, 35 people in the UK have tested positive for coronavirus.
Air Partner shares were trading 4.5% higher at 73.96 pence each on Monday morning in London.
By Ife Taiwo; [email protected]
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