Ground handler dnata has enhanced its pharma handling capabilities in Singapore by launching cool dollies in its pharma operations.
The company’s new, high-tech containers are specially designed with a closed temperature-controlled system for moving temperature-sensitive goods between cargo warehouses and aircraft.
dnata is the first cargo handler to operate cool dollies at Singapore Changi Airport where it operates a 1,400 sq m pharma and perishable handling centre capable of processing 75,000 tonnes of temperature-sensitive goods annually.
Dirk Goovaerts, dnata’s Regional CEO for Asia Pacific, said: “It has become increasingly crucial for both airlines and freight forwarders to be supported by a reliable, certified handler that can protect their pharma shipments and ensure the products remain in perfect condition until they reach the end customer.
“Our latest investment in cool dollies underlines our commitment to ensuring the highest quality of supply chain management when handling temperature-sensitive cargo.”
Ho Yuen Sang, Director, Aviation Industry, Civil Aviation Authority Singapore (CAAS), said: “Air cargo continues to play an important role in enabling the flow of essential goods such as pharmaceutical supplies, even as passenger traffic has been impacted significantly by COVID-19.
“CAAS congratulates dnata on the launch of the cool dollies at Changi Airport today and commend them for continuing to invest in enhancing their capabilities during these challenging times. This is a good example of the spirit of innovation and collaboration that drives our aviation community to create more value for Changi’s customers.”
Law Chung Ming, Director for Transport and Logistics, Enterprise Singapore (ESG), said: “Innovation in healthcare supply chain and logistics will be key in affirming Singapore’s status as a connectivity hub to handle high value and sensitive cargo flows.
“dnata’s partnership with local SME, Monzone, which provided the technical expertise for the development of Changi Airport’s first cool dollies, is testament of our ability to co-develop solutions to meet the region’s growing pharmaceutical needs. We look forward to facilitating more collaborations between corporates and our local SMEs, to drive the adoption of innovative solutions.”
Lim Ching Kiat, Managing Director, Air Hub Development, Changi Airport Group (CAG), said: “Pharmaceuticals and perishables shipments are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuation and require stringent temperature control to maintain product effectiveness and freshness.
“Together with our community, we are preparing for the effective global air transportation of Covid-19 vaccines.”
To deliver more value for its customers, dnata has recently started offering a range of solutions to fast-track time-sensitive imports. The company’s services include priority clearance at its cargo centre and expedited deliveries to its customers’ warehouse facilities within the Changi Airfreight Centre / Airport Logistics Park Singapore (ALPS).
dnata will soon offer the delivery of temperature-sensitive products in an unbroken cool chain island-wide, providing live tracking and updates to customers through its logistics partners.
dnata has been certified by IATA’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma) for its pharma handling processes at Singapore Changi Airport.
dnata has also earned the ISO 9001:2015 certification for cargo handling services, and been awarded Halal certification by Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (Muis) for a special storage room in its Coolchain facility.
dnata is a global member of Pharma.Aero, a cross-industry collaboration of pharma shippers, CEIV certified cargo communities, airport operators and other air cargo industry stakeholders.
In addition, dnata Singapore has recently joined the Singapore Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (SAPI) to further enhance its cooperation with industry stakeholders.
