- Temperature-controlled medicines will be distributed twice a week from Shenzhen to Africa, and to the rest of the world via Dubai and Addis Ababa.
Cainiao Smart Logistics Network has partnered with Ethiopian Airlines to launch cold chain airfreight for temperature-controlled medicines from Shenzhen Airport, China’s first medical cross-border cold chain facility.
Medicines will be distributed twice a week from Shenzhen to Africa, and to the rest of the world via Dubai and Addis Ababa.
Cainiao Network, the logistics arms of Alibaba Group, said that this is China’s first cross-border medical cold chain route to be operated regularly and is certified to transport temperature-controlled medicines including COVID-19 vaccines.
Said a Cainiao spokesperson: “The end-to-end transportation process requires a highly effective cold chain management. During air freight, the entire cold chain cabin is equipped with a temperature control system that monitors the cabin’s temperature in real-time.
“As the fourth airport in Mainland China that obtained IATA’s Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) certification for pharmaceutical logistics, Shenzhen Airport is also well-equipped to handle biotechnology products.”
The cargo terminal in Ethiopia is outfitted with compartmentalized cold storage facilities with temperature between -23℃ to 25℃. It occupies an area of 54,000 sq m, with dedicated cool dollies and pharma team, as well as real-time temperature monitoring system.
Said James Zhao, General Manager of Cainiao International Supply Chain: “Cainiao’s global logistics network spans over 200 countries and regions, providing end-to-end integrated logistics services, including digital customs clearance capabilities.
“The launch of the cold chain air freight has further bolstered our global logistics capabilities, and allow us to offer a one-stop solution for the global distribution of medical products such as the COVID-19 vaccines.”
Tewolde GebreMariam, Ethiopian Group CEO, said: “Ethiopian Airlines will repeat its remarkable and globally recognized success in leading the fast delivery of PPE a few months ago with similar delivery speed, professional handling and maintaining the cold chain during the forthcoming global distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“In anticipation of the COVID-19 vaccine release, we will be at the forefront to further discharge our responsibility in the distribution of the vaccine across the globe.”
Cainiao’s launch of the Green Channel Initiative this year to fight the pandemic has helped in the distribution of 250m pieces of PPEs, including COVID-19 test kits, to medical suppliers in over 150 countries and regions.
In collaboration with its partners, Cainiao has also helped to transport medical relief items for international organizations during the pandemic.
