A British Airways aircraft loaded with vital medical supplies from China has landed at London Heathrow.

Captain Robert Kendall headed a team of flight crew operating the British Airways Boeing 777 which is loaded with ventilators as well as personal protective equipment.

The flight was operated in partnership with the UK government and IAG Cargo.

The British embassy is working with the department of health to procure medical equipment from China and deliver it to NHS hospitals all over the UK.

The flight departed from Shanghai is the first of several British Airways flights containing medical equipment and supplies coming into the UK from China.

Over the coming days, 55 tonnes of hand sanitiser – equivalent to around 62,000 large bottles – will arrive in the UK on a similar flight from Shanghai.

Minister of state for Asia, Nigel Adams, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to reopen the British Airways route from Shanghai to deliver lifesaving equipment that we have bought for the NHS.

“We have been working round the clock to bolster the NHS supplies and save lives and we are seeking further deliveries as a matter of urgency.”