Emirates SkyCargo has signed an agreement with Unicef to prioritise the delivery of Covid-19 vaccines and other life-saving supplies worldwide.
More than 10 global airlines, including Emirates and Etihad Airways, are part of Unicef’s Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative that helps in the delivery of Covid-19 vaccines, essential medicines, medical devices, and other critical supplies to fight the pandemic.
The global initiative will help in distributing essential supplies to more than 100 markets in support of the Covax Facility.
Covax is the world’s largest and most diverse portfolio of Covid-19 vaccines. It aims to ensure that people in all corners of the world will get access to these life-saving injections.
“Every single day counts in the fight against Covid-19 and the sooner that communities can have access to vaccines, the sooner they can curb the spread of the virus and get back on their feet,” said Nabil Sultan, Emirates divisional senior vice president, cargo.
“As a global player flying to more than 130 destinations, Emirates SkyCargo has been committed to the fight against the pandemic from the very early stages and we have rolled out a number of initiatives to expedite the distribution of vaccines through Dubai, starting with our certified dedicated airside hub.
“Through our partnership with Unicef, we will prioritise and facilitate the rapid and secure movement of vaccines particularly to communities hard hit by the disease.”
Emirates cargo planes are equipped to transport temperature sensitive medicines, including vaccines.
In October 2020, the company announced it was setting up the world’s largest EU Good Distribution Practices certified airside distribution hub dedicated for the storage and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines.
With over 15,000 sq metres of storage space available for vaccines, the facility is able to store large quantities of vaccines in Dubai, and fly out a limited number of vials regularly to markets with limited cold chain infrastructure. This helps in reducing the need for large scale storage solutions.
In January 2021, the company also joined hands with DP World, International Humanitarian City and Dubai Airports to form an alliance for the rapid transport of vaccines to the developing world through Dubai.
Emirates staff getting vaccinated – in pictures
The Emirates Group has launched a Covid-19 vaccination programme for UAE based staff. All images courtesy The Emirates Group
The immunisation drive starts today, January 18, 2021.
Operationally-focused staff will be a priority for the vaccination appointments.
The Emirates Group is making both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinopharm vaccines available to staff.
Emirates airline, along with dnata, are among the first transport and air services organisations in the world to offer employees the option to get vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus.
Vaccination remains optional for Emirates staff.
Emirates’ frontline aviation workforce, including cabin crew, flight deck and other operationally focused roles, will be first in line for the vaccines.
An Emirates staff member assists a passenger at Dubai International Airport.
The vaccination programme is designed to help safeguard the health and wellbeing of aviation employees who serve the travelling public and help move essential goods around the world.
Updated: February 16, 2021 03:22 PM
