Lufthansa recently handed over a specially equipped Airbus A340-300 to the German government for medical evacuation duties, primarily in connection with the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The aircraft was withdrawn from Lufthansa’s passenger fleet and rapidly modified for its new role by Lufthansa Technik (Stand 500) to become the world’s only airborne evacuation facility for highly contagious patients.

By removing seats, galleys and baggage lockers from the center and aft cabins, sufficient room was created for the installation of a sophisticated isolation patient transport facility. The principal isolation unit comprises an airtight tent with negative pressure and two airtight exterior tents to allow medical staff to enter and exit the central unit safely. The forward cabin retains 19 seats for medical staff and technicians, plus a Lufthansa engineer.

Modification of the aircraft began on November 17, and it was handed over just 10 days later. Named “Robert Koch” for the medical institute that devised and operates the installation, the aircraft will serve in its humanitarian role for at least six months. The aircraft is crewed by volunteers from the Lufthansa fleet.