As the air cargo industry prepares for the global distribution of Covid-19 vaccines, Swissport put its Brussels pharma Centre to the test in a dry-run.
While some types Covid-19 vaccines might only call for temperatures around -20°C or in a range from 2°-8°C, others will likely require extremely low temperatures in the range of -70°C.
In collaboration with Brussels Airport, Air Cargo Belgium and Hazgo, Swissport demonstrated its ability to handle highly temperature-sensitive air cargo at its 3,620 sq m Pharma Center in Brussels.
Two separate shipments were delivered to the facility, which is part of an end-to-end cool chain. One shipment arrived in a container cooled to -70°C, while the other shipment was transported in a more conventional 2°-8°C temperature range.
Swissport’s top-notch infrastructure, combined with know how regarding dry-ice handling allows for a seamless temperature-control throughout the entire airport handling process, from the acceptance at the cargo warehouse to the transport on the apron with special vehicles and right into the aircraft.
Koen Gouweloose, Head of Swissport Cargo Services Belgium, said: “Today’s demonstration shows that, thanks to the successful and long-standing collaboration with our airport partners, Swissport is ready to play its part in the logistical challenge to globally distribute a Covid-19 vaccine. We are ready.”
Of 115 cargo warehouses which Swissport runs around the globe, 72 are equipped with temperature-controlled facilities.
At this time, 13 Swissport facilities are certified under the IATA Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Pharma standard, the British MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) and other recognized organizations.
Hendrik Leyssens, VP Global Operations – Cargo at Swissport, said: “We have been investing heavily in infrastructure and services for pharmaceutical air cargo over the past few years, which is exemplified by our state-of-the-art Swissport Pharma Centers at multiple locations across the globe.
“We are very proud that Swissport is able to play a leading role in airport logistics for the distribution of a Covid-19 vaccine.”
