Emirates SkyCargo has successfully transported the first batch of Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccines to the UAE for the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
The vaccines were transported from Brussels yesterday (22 December), arriving at Dubai International Airport at 22.15 local time.
On arrival, the containers with the vaccines were unloaded on priority from the aircraft and then taken to Emirates SkyCargo’s dedicated pharma facility Emirates SkyPharma to await clearance for delivery. [See video below].
Emirates Group chairman and chief executive HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said he was proud of the milestone. “Our healthcare ecosystem has played an absolutely critical role in every step of the fight against Covid-19,” he said.
“I would like to thank everyone who has worked unceasingly over the last year to protect the lives of those most vulnerable against the disease. In recognition of their immense contribution for the wellbeing of everyone in the UAE, it has been our honour to transport these vaccines free of charge on our flight.”
Emirates divisional senior vice president, cargo Nabil Sultan commented: “At Emirates SkyCargo we are doing our part to join Dubai’s efforts to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Thanks to the effective management of the pandemic by Dubai’s visionary leadership, the city has retained its position as a global logistical hub for connecting vital cargo including PPE, medical supplies, vaccines, food and other essential items.
“Emirates SkyCargo has set up the world’s largest airside hub dedicated to distributing Covid-19 vaccines and we stand ready to support not just Dubai, but countries around the world, including markets with limited cool chain infrastructure with our advanced capabilities.
“By transporting Covid-19 vaccines across our extensive network, we look forward to helping people around the world get back on their feet after the devastating impact of the pandemic.”
Emirates SkyCargo noted that it had more than two decades experience in transporting pharmaceuticals, with its current pharma network covering more than 30 cities across the world. The company added it had already commenced distribution of Covid-19 vaccines from a range of manufacturers and geographies.
*Last week, Aviation Business News ran a five-part web series called Ready for a vaccine, in association with Peli BioThermal, looking at how company’s from across the industry spectrum are preparing to distribute Covid-19 vaccines.
All parts are available to read: part one features Pharma.Aero and IAG Cargo, part two features Peli BioThermal, part three features Finnair Cargo, part four features Etihad Cargo and part five features Delta Cargo and DoKaSch.