Ethiopian Airlines has announced the launch of a cold chain air freight to transport temperature-sensitive medicines, including a potential COVID-19 vaccine and comes amidst concerns of who will handle the logistical nightmare that is transportation and distribution of the vaccines – when they become available – in Africa.
We are glad to learn that Ethiopian Airlines is ready to transport COVID-19 vaccine throughout the world, launching a new cold chain cargo transport equipped with simultaneous cabin temperature controlling system
H.E. Ambassador Hirut Zemene, Ambassador of Ethiopia to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union
“Recently, the EAL has won the ‘Overall Excellence for Outstanding Crisis Leadership 2020 Award’ from Global Finance magazine. The award recognizes the extra mile went in responding to the global pandemic!”
In preparing for the task ahead, the airline has signed a partnership agreement with Cainiao Smart Logistics Network, the logistics arm of China’s Alibaba Group, to launch a cold chain air freight for transporting temperature-controlled medicines.Freighters carrying medicines will depart Shenzhen, southern China twice a week to Africa, and to the rest of the world via Dubai and Addis Ababa, according to a press release.
On top of its 12 dedicated cargo aircraft, Ethiopian reconfigured 25 passenger planes to turn them into freighters to respond to increased cargo demand. China has about five coronavirus vaccine candidates at different human trial stages. President Xi Jinping has said that once approved, the vaccines will be made a global public good.
“Ethiopian Airlines also transported COVID-19 medical equipment donated by Jack Ma Foundation to Africa. The medical equipment distributed through Ethiopian Airlines to the 54 African countries. Recently to be recalled, at the heights of the coronavirus crisis, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took the initiative with the Jack Ma Foundation to distribute protective kits to African countries,” said H.E. Ambassador Zemene. “We are also glad to learn that Ethiopian Airlines took the honour of leading African carrier at A Decade of Airline Excellence Awards on 1 December 2020 LONDON 2020. Ethiopian Airlines have been recognized at this Award as Africa’s best-performing airline of the past 10 years. The carrier took the accolade in the African regional category of the Awards.”
The airline noted that the entire cold chain cabin will be equipped with a temperature control system that monitors the cabin’s temperature in real-time. The 54,000 sqm cargo terminal in Ethiopia has also been outfitted with compartmentalized cold storage facilities with a temperature between – 23°C to 25.
So far, almost all vaccine candidates available need ultra-cold temperatures to transport or store. The airline was key in helping to move tons of medical supplies meant for coronavirus response in Africa.
“Ethiopian Airlines will repeat its remarkable and globally recognized success in leading the fast delivery of PPEs 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,” said Ethiopian Group CEO Tewolde GebreMariam.
In Nairobi, Kenya Airways (KQ) unveiled its ultra-modern pharma facility at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. KQ Cargo Director Dick Murianki said the facility’s immediate focus will be improving logistics in distributing a potential COVID-19 vaccine in Africa. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is one of the most important logistics hubs in Africa. Since March, the national carrier has transported vital goods and medical supplies, about 6,000 tonnes of much-needed medical equipment to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
