TIACA together with Pharma.Aero have expressed a strong concern over the current state of air cargo readiness for the upcoming COVID-19 vaccines transportation, with only 28% of the industry feeling well prepared for it today.
According to the results of a TIACA and Pharma.aero joint airfreight readiness survey, completed by 181 airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers, airport operators and solution providers, majority of the industry players have begun preparation to handle, store, transport and deliver the future COVID-19 vaccines.
They are setting up dedicated teams, engaging with partners, mapping and upgrading their capabilities, as well as developing new services.
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As compared to companies which are already in close engagement with vaccines manufacturers, companies not involved in direct conversations with the manufacturers felt the least prepared for the upcoming logistics challenge of vaccines transportation.
We as an industry are as strong as our weakest link. To move the needle on industry readiness, we need to ensure everyone is engaged and informed. Only with a strong and transparent dialogue between pharmaceutical and air cargo sectors, governments, non-governmental organizations and healthcare institutions can we overcome these challenges. The sooner, the better.Emir Pineda, Member of TIACA’s Board of Director and co-lead of the Sunrays project, initiated by TIACA and Pharma.Aero.
To improve the situation the industry is required to focus on industry collaboration between pharma and air cargo sectors; improve visibility and transparency; build adequate capabilities; and get the support from regulators to speed up the process and remove cumbersome procedures.
Also recommended is getting help from international organizations and donors to ensure no country is left behind will ensure maximum air cargo preparedness to meet shippers’ needs and expectations for speed, security, reliability and transparency and ultimately save lives.
We are still at early stages of industry preparation for the transportation of COVID-19 vaccines and there are still a lot of unknowns. Delivering COVID-19 vaccines is a life-saving mission which will need a combination of people, infrastructure, standards, packaging solutions and collaboration. Getting the equation right requires us to work together now.Nathan De Valck, Chairman of Pharma.Aero’s Board of Directors and member of the Sunrays project