THE ROLE OF HEAVY TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT OPERATORS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE EXAMPLE OF STRATEGIC AIRLIFT INTERNATIONAL SOLUTION (SALIS) PROGRAMME

The aim of the article is to analyse the possibilities of heavy and outsize air cargo transport in the field of humanitarian and medical services, as well as to identify factors influencing the organization and efficiency of the transport process during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research was conducted using qualitative methods. The period from 2019 to 2020 was subjected to a detailed analysis. As a part of the research procedure, process analysis was carried out using the method of case study.The COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions led to significant drop in transport demand. Air sector has been one of the first victim of new pandemic. Supply chain disruptions have become a major challenge for the global economy. Air cargo companies like Antonov Airlines play an active part in global response to the coronavirus delivering medical equipment and vaccines. The results of the study indicate that there was a visible increase in the number of heavy air cargo flights. Many civilian and military entities are involved in the organization of the transport process. The research results can be used to improve the organization of the air cargo transport process especially in the armed forces. The conducted research revealed several problems and challenges in the field of air cargo transport organization. According to the case studies presented despite of all steps taken by both military commands and civilian institutions there is a still room for improvements in the area of transport system optimizing. Detailed conclusions and comments contained in the article may be used to improve the applicable transport procedures