AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC) has transported a record number of RKN containers on its Boeing 747-8F.

Yulia Celetaria, global director, pharma for ABC said: “This transportation, to some extent, is the rehearsal to check that we are well-prepared for the Covid-19 vaccine, once its testing is finalized.”

The scheduled flight by ABC, part of Volga-Dnepr Group, uplifted the cargo for its long-lasting customer, DSV, from Amsterdam to Shanghai.

The consignment of 41 RKN CSafe containers, containing more than 30 tons of temperature-sensitive medicines, were loaded and stowed on both the main and lower decks to optimize aircraft capacity and guarantee safe delivery of the total shipment without its breakdown for different flights. 

Added Celetaria: “For the last five years, we have deepened our cooperation with providers of temperature-sensitive containers and now, in the middle of the pandemic, we are in constant dialogue with our trusted partners: Envirotainer, SkyCell, va-Q-tec, DoKaSch, CSafe, Sonoco and others, regarding strategic container reserve.

“Last year we successfully gained our IATA CEIV Pharma re-certification, which stands as an industry commitment to be a reliable partner of cold chain and keep 100% vaccine integrity.”

For the first six months of 2020, ABC has achieved a 60% uptick in temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments, surpassing the level of 11,000 tons.