Aer Lingus operates a fleet of 15 Airbus A330 widebody jets. Since late March 2020, many of them have been involved in special PPE charter work.

Each crew member working on the PPE charters must study a 45-page document explaining the procedures unique to the route.

Capt Brian O'Sullivan (far right) is pictured alongside colleagues before the maiden flight.

The flight from Dublin to Beijing/Capital typically takes around ten hours outbound and 11 hours on the return.

O'Sullivan (left) joined the Irish flag carrier in 1988 and is currently one of the airline's most senior A330 pilots.