Boeing's first COVID-19 mission lands in New Hampshire

Boeing completed its first COVID-19 transport mission on Saturday, using a 737-700 aircraft from its corporate fleet to bring personal protective equipment from China to the United States. Working in partnership with FIRST Robotics Founder Dean Kamen, the company transported 540,000 medical-grade face masks that will be delivered to healthcare professionals battling COVID-19 in New Hampshire.

Kamen, who has a longstanding relationship with Boeing through FIRST Robotics, is also a founder of DEKA Research and Development Corporation (DEKA). He worked with DEKA to secure the face masks from manufacturers in China and turned to Boeing to facilitate their transport.

"Thanks to Dean Kamen for facilitating this deal, and to Boeing for donating the cost of this mission transport,” said Governor Chris Sununu.

Additional airlift transport missions with the Boeing Dreamlifter and ecoDemonstrator are planned in the future. Boeing is coordinating closely with U.S. government officials on how to best assist areas with the greatest need.

US Marshals Service needs a Boeing 737 aircraft

The U.S. Marshals Service, Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS), Las Vegas, Nev., operational site, is seeking information from responsible sources and commercial agencies concerning the "Lease with the Option to Purchase" of one large transport category turbine powered aircraft to fulfill its unique mission objectives. The lease will include the aircraft, insurance, and limited maintenance for a base period and four option years, JPATS said in contract documents released Friday. JPATS will have the option to purchase the aircraft at any time during the lease period. JPATS has determined the following aircraft types meet their need: Boeing 737-700 (HGW) or Boeing 737-700ER. JPATS anticipates utilizing the aircraft approximately 900 hours annually.

The government is interested in feedback from the commercial market on the aircraft that may be available meeting these requirements. Capabilities packages, information and/or any feedback must be submitted to JPATS no later than Nov. 7.