Emirates SkyCargo transports first batch of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines to Dubai

Dubai: Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo division of Emirates Airlines has already commenced distribution of COVID-19 vaccines from a range of manufacturers and geographies.

But, for the first time, it has flown in COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech to the UAE for the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). The vaccines were transported from Brussels on Emirates flight EK 182 on 22 December 2020. Watch a video of the vaccines arriving in Dubai

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, and Chief Executive, Emirates Group informed the vaccines were transported free of charge. On arrival at Dubai, 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.

Recently, Emirates SkyCargo has set up the world’s largest dedicated airside storage and distribution hub for COVID-19 vaccines in Dubai with the capacity to store up to an estimated 10 million doses of vaccine at the 2-8C temperature range at any one point of time.

With its advanced infrastructure, extensive network, and modern all wide-body aircraft fleet, Emirates SkyCargo is in a position to transport COVID-19 vaccines rapidly and securely from manufacturing locations to destinations across six continents

The carrier has more than two decades of experience in transporting pharmaceuticals on its aircraft and has set up state of the art EU GDP certified facilities dedicated to storing and handling pharma cargo in Dubai. Emirates SkyCargo has also established a global Pharma Corridors program working with ground handlers and local airports at major pharma origin and destination stations for enhanced cool chain protection. The current pharma network covers over 30 cities across the world including Brussels.