Delta Cargo has approved the DoKaSch Opticooler RAP container for use on its aircraft. It will be used as part of the company’s cold chain pharma service for the safe transportation of vaccines.

The DoKaSch Opticooler is a climate-control solution offering pharmaceutical and life science companies “controlled and reliable” 2-8°C and 15-25°C options, according to Delta. This enables it to be used for Pharma 1 transportation including vaccines, without the need for dry ice.

The container also features a large control panel as well as quadruple redundancy for all critical parts, ensuring there are backups for each feature in case of failure. The loading compartment accommodates five standard Euro pallets or four CP-1 pallets.

Another key feature is the large battery, which Delta says can operate independently up to 120 hours and requires 2-4 hours charging time.

“The introduction of the Opticooler provides our customers with more choice when looking for reliable container options to support the growing global demand for pharma and vaccine shipments,” said Delta’s vice president – cargo Shawn Cole.

“Alongside our joint venture partners, Air France-KLM Cargo, we can now offer our customers a seamless experience across the trans-atlantic, helping to keep supply chains moving and ensuring the safe delivery of temperature sensitive shipments during the current pandemic.”

DoKaSch Temperature Solutions’ managing director Andreas Seitz commented: “This agreement with Delta provides more transport options for shippers of sensitive pharmaceutical goods, which is especially important for the upcoming transport of vaccines against Covid-19.

“Many of these will require a temperature range between 2-8°C during transport, which is exactly what our Opticooler is made for. Delta further expands our extensive global network which allows us to offer our temperature-controlled packaging solutions at even more locations.”