The first Aer Lingus flight to and from China with essential PPE equipment returned to Dublin Airport this afternoon and was greeted with a lovely message.
Flight EI9019 landed in Dublin Airport at 3:10pm with masks, gowns and eye shields which will be distributed around the country.
Upon arrival in Dublin, the air traffic controllers had a message for the pilots speaking on behalf of the entire country.
They said: "EI9019 Failte abhaile. Dublin ATC are proud to be guiding you home safely today. On behalf of the IAA and the entire nation I would like to express our appreciation for all you are doing during this time of need.
"We have the red carpet rolled out on Runway 28 for you today so expect a straight in Approach."
Aer Lingus is flying its biggest aircraft to pick up the supplies with the first up to 60 trips setting off yesterday, the Irish Mirror understands.
It comes after 90 of its pilots this week secured visas and have volunteered to spend over 24 hours on the airline's Airbus A330s to carry out the operation.
The first crew made up of five pilots left for Beijing from Dublin Airport at 10.20am on Saturday morning.
And while this flight has touched down, the second one is already making its way to Beijing to pick up the next load of supplies.
