This year's Bastille Day ceremonies on 14 July in France were dedicated to healthcare providers and others who mobilised against the coronavirus. A special tribute was made to those fighting the pandemic on the front line, including the teams of Aviation Sans Frontières (ASF).

From the start of the crisis, ASF mobilised the aviation community to provide logistical support to hospital centres and to caregivers across France. The humanitarian organisation, best known for its activities in sub-Saharan Africa, offered healthcare workers quick and comfortable transportation to hospitals where they were needed, principally in northeast France and around Paris. To improve efficiency and responsiveness, the organisation set up an online platform coupled with a team of flight operations managers that connected caregivers with private aircraft operators, including aircraft manufacturers and flight schools.

In total, more than 420 caregivers were flown at no charge to 65 destinations, mostly in France (60), but also in Switzerland, Luxembourg and as far as the UK.

ASF has flown more than 435 hours, 300 legs, carrying 420 passengers with 26 participating operators, 24 different aircraft types used from the four-seat Cirrus SR22 to the Dassault Falcon trijet, and 65 airports visited in France and elsewhere in Europe.

This new method for transporting caregivers can be quickly reactivated in the event the healthcare system experiences a new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The mechanism is dormant for the moment, but participants are committed to mobilising as necessary.

In addition to transporting caregivers, ASF organised an unprecedented mobilisation of flight attendants grounded by the crisis, providing volunteers for hospitals and other care facilities. After specialised training, these air transport professionals were able to support hospital staff from AP-HP (Public Assistance and Hospitals of Paris). They provided critical reinforcements in the care of patients and families dealing with COVID-19. In Ile de France hospitals and nursing homes, they have been an invaluable resource for reception, support and prevention. They are also participating in COVISAN, a group established by the French government to stop the spread of the epidemic after containment.

To date, there are still 200 volunteers in the field. The Bastille Day ceremonies paid tribute to the commitment of all of the aviation and health professionals who have been mobilised. Until the pandemic has been overcome, Aviation Sans Frontières teams and partners will remain ready to fly into action.