Flying pharmaceuticals across the globe

Safe and reliable transport of pharmaceutical products requires exacting processes, specialised technology and reliability, all of which one firm prides itself on.

With services to over 100 destinations across six continents, Emirates SkyCargo has extensive experience in transporting temperature-controlled, timesensitive commodities such as pharmaceuticals. With its hub in a hot, desert climate, preserving the ‘cool chain’ – ensuring the a shipment remains at a defined temperature range from point of shipment to point of delivery – is an integral part of what Emirates SkyCargo offers to its customers.

The latest in shipment technology for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals.

Superior shipments
The freight division of Emirates Airline is at the forefront of industry developments in this area. Working in conjunction with a number of partners in recent years to ensure the integrity of the cool chain processes as consignments are shipped around the globe. The result is that Emirates SkyCargo is becoming the carrier of choice for increasing numbers of pharmaceutical companies, with shipments rising by a double-digit percentage in the last year alone. The carrier reports strong growth in pharma shipments, particularly on the Europe–Australia trade lanes, and in various other emerging markets.

‘Pharmaceuticals shipments are an important and growing part of our business, and we keep investing in enhancing best practice transport options for temperaturesensitive consignments,’ says Ram Menen, Emirates divisional senior vicepresident of cargo. ‘We work directly with the forwarders and major pharma companies worldwide, developing transport solutions for their high-value shipments.’

Keeping cool
In 2008, in conjunction with a major research institution, Emirates developed the ‘White Cover’. The reusable thermal blanket is designed to shield temperaturesensitive cargo from solar heat during transportation. One of the White Cover’s distinct properties is its gas permeability – it resists air and water penetration. Its low cost has made it popular with pharma shippers, especially those needing to transport room-temperature pharmaceuticals. The cover is also 100% recyclable.

Emirates SkyCargo offers special temperaturecontrolled containers that allow a shipment to be maintained at a constant temperature throughout its journey, in the air and on the ground. These containers have active temperature control systems that range from -20oC to +20oC, and come in a variety of different sizes with a capacity of from around 300kg to over five tonnes. The heating and cooling container offers the latest in shipment technology. During transhipments at its Dubai hub, Emirates SkyCargo also takes additional measures to ensure the required temperature of its shipments. Cool Dollies – insulated and refrigerated aluminium containers on steel trailers that can carry a complete container or pallet – help to maintain exact temperatures when moving consignments between the aircraft and cargo terminal so the cool chain is not compromised, even on the hottest summer’s day.

In early 2008, Emirates SkyCargo inaugurated a new terminal facility at its Dubai hub. Preserving the cool chain was at the heart of plans for the Cargo Mega Terminal and the terminal has a dedicated cargo-handling area for temperature-sensitive shipments. It also houses two handling zones with temperatures of 5°C and 12°C, a cool storage area and a freezer section with a temperature of -18°C.

Company profile

Emirates SkyCargo is the awardwinning air freight division of Emirates Airline. Established in 1985, it has built a reputation for innovation, flexibility and service. For more information, visit: www.skycargo.com.