EMIRATES SKYCARGO has cemented its position as one of the major players in the pharmaceuticals and healthcare market with the launch of an environmentally-friendly, temperature-controlled LD3 air cargo container, writes Thelma Etim, deputy editor.
The carrier invested two years in researching and developing its White Container, which keeps temperature-sensitive shipments cool when transported both on the ground and in the air.
Designed with generic healthcare products and food perishables in mind, the thermal insulated box uses coolant trays allowing handlers to add or replenish dry ice or coolants without disturbing the packaging, says a company statement.
It can be used for shipments requiring temperature ranges between 2°C - 8°C and 5°C - 25°C and is a reliable solution for time- and temperature-sensitive cargoes that do not fall into the very high sensitive category, it adds.
“The White Container is an affordable option and does not replace our high-end Cool Chain Premium solution. Instead it offers an intermediate solution that is cost effective for commodities, such as generic healthcare products and food perishables,” reveals Moaza Al Falahi, Emirates' vice-president of cargo product development and local affairs.
“This in-house developed solution is simple but efficient and has no backhaul issues. We are the only air cargo operator to offer this specific solution and along with our other offerings such as active temperature controlled containers, warehouses, cool dollies and white covers, we are at the forefront in offering a comprehensive portfolio of cool chain solutions for all types of time and temperature-sensitive cargo,” she adds.
SkyCargo’s cool chain products include: Cool Chain Premium, Cool Chain Advanced and Cool Chain Basic.
The carrier has expanded its temperature controlled handling capacity with the opening of its freighter terminal at Dubai World Central’s (DWC) Al Maktoum International Airport, where it has an advanced storage system and a perishables area designed to handle 140,000 tonnes of cargo annually. The facility also boasts three large areas, each with different temperature ranges between 18°C to 25°C.
