As Covid spread rapidly across the globe, hospitals were overrun; emergency treatment centres were springing up, and lower socio-economic areas struggled with proper care, respiratory equipment was running dangerously low. Ventilators were required for acute cases, however, oxygen therapy supplies, even makeshift solutions, are critical for those waiting for treatment, recovering from the illness, or unable to get appropriate care. The world was getting desperate and we saw an opportunity for Air New Zealand to help.

With many Air New Zealand planes grounded and aviation supplies going unused, we proposed Air New Zealand give their oxygen masks and oxygen equipment from grounded planes/supplies to help provide makeshift oxygen therapy solutions during the crisis.

As medical supplies dwindled these masks would help emergency triage centres around the globe. Donated to those with respiratory issues waiting for treatment, those in areas with less access to care and to help relieve the pressure on non-COVID related diseases such as Lung Diseases etc so that COVID-compatible equipment can be freed up.