Airlines ramp up cargo capability to prepare for COVID-19 vaccines

On Monday, Virgin Atlantic’s cargo operation unveiled its new capabilities to handle the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines on its global network.

SAFE AND SECURE SERVICE

To ensure the safety and security of this valuable cargo, the airline has introduced a new Pharma Secure service for all urgent, valuable and vulnerable pharmaceutical and life sciences shipments. Working with their customers and responding to their specific requirements, the new product will include a 24/7 support team, automatic live status updates, proactive service recovery and periodical integrity checks, temperature-controlled facilities and a dedicated booking team.

PLAYING ITS PART

Dominic Kennedy, Managing Director, Virgin Atlantic Cargo, said: “This new service takes our already well-established pharmaceutical offering to the next level. We want to offer our customers peace of mind so they can book with us, knowing their precious cargo will arrive safely, securely and on time. We look forward to playing a part in supporting the COVID-19 recovery by transporting crucial vaccines and pharmaceutical products to the UK and around the world on our global network, ensuring swift access to vaccines for the public as they become available.”

FROM PASSENGER TO CARGO FLIGHTS

Following the emergence of COVID-19, there was a dramatic fall in demand for passengers travelling by air. But the demand for cargo remains strong. Virgin Atlantic flew its first cargo-only flight on 21 March and has grown and evolved a significant programme of scheduled and charter cargo flying, averaging more than 190 flights per week to new and existing destinations. The airline also partnered with the Department of Health and Social Care and the NHS, operating cargo-only flights from Shanghai to London Heathrow, bringing more than four million tonnes of essential medical equipment, supplies and PPE into the UK.

*https://www.virginatlanticcargo.com

Published On: 19/11/2020 16:00:37

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