High-Speed Delivery of Medical Supplies

When Baden-Württemberg and the Free State of Saxony needed help managing the impacts of the coronavirus crisis, they turned to the business community for help.

Working with Porsche, DB Schenker, and Lufthansa Cargo, these German state governments are making sure three million face masks, 130,000 pairs of safety glasses, and 60,000 protective suits were delivered to the people who need them most.

DB Schenker, Porsche and Lufthansa together for delivery of medical supplies

From left to right: Oliver Seidl (Chief Financial Officer at DB Schenker), Manne Lucha (Minister for Social Affairs and Integration in Baden-Württemberg), Uwe-Karsten Städter, (Member of the Executive Board for Procurement at Porsche AG), Dorothea von Boxberg (Member of the Executive Board and COO Lufthansa Cargo AG)

The project requires a total of 50 “ghost planes” (empty passenger planes that are now being used for cargo) that are flying between Shanghai, Stuttgart, and Munich. With medical equipment stored on their lower decks, passenger seats, aisles, and overhead bins, these planes represent a ray of hope during a worldwide pandemic crisis.

Inside DB Schenker Warehouse Logistics Processing

Porsche mobilized a 6-employee task force to procure the urgently-needed medical equipment for German hospitals, first responders, and medical facilities. “Everyone is contributing their strengths in this joint effort, and it’s working extremely well,” said Uwe-Karsten Städter, Member of the Executive Board for Procurement at Porsche AG. “Today, more than ever, it is about getting involved, showing consideration for others, and taking on responsibility—central values of Porsche’s culture.”

A Close Partnership

Since April 9^th, up to six aircraft per week have been flying from China to Baden-Württemberg and the Free State of Saxony. Working together,
DB Schenker, Lufthansa Cargo, and Porsche are ensuring problem-free transport of protective masks, goggles, and protective suits from Shanghai to Germany.

Outside DB Schenker Stuttgart Logistics Centre

Upon arriving at the Frankfurt and Munich airports, shipments are reloaded onto trucks and transported to an intermediate DB Schenker warehouse at Stuttgart airport. There, the state governments take over distribution of the protective equipment, which is being used to stop the coronavirus from spreading in hospitals, emergency services and other institutions.

“In uncertain times, reliability, flexibility, and full commitment are what count,” said DB Schenker CFO Oliver Seidl. “We are pleased that we are able to maintain the supply chains for important medical products in cooperation with Porsche. Our own network in almost 140 countries is now paying off more than ever in ensuring the security of supplies for people.”

Helping to Protect Millions of People

Since the initiative launched, several million protective items that range from face masks of different protection classes, to protective suits, to protective goggles have arrived at DB Schenker’s Stuttgart warehouse. By late-May, enough protective materials to fill 50 passenger planes will have been delivered to its destinations.

This is not only a relief for the two German governments, but also a true show of unity in a nation that’s been heavily impacted by the coronavirus. “The commitment of the companies involved is fantastic,” said Michael Kretschmer, Minister-President of the Free State of Saxony. “This joint resolute action is making a crucial contribution to ensuring that the situation relating to provision of medical protective equipment will continue to improve in Saxony over the coming days and weeks.”

Press Release

Six weekly flights from China to Germany • Volume of up to 50 passenger aircraft in total • First shipments have arrived in Baden-Württemberg and Saxony • Millions of protective items like masks, goggles and suits

Airlift for medical protective equipment: Porsche and DB Schenker support state governments Read more