Emirates SkyCargo unveils new purpose-built pharma facility

Emirates SkyCargo unveils new purpose-built pharma facility

strong>Airline operates world’s first and largest GDP certified multi-airport hub

Emirates SkyPharma, Emirates SkyCargo’s new purpose-built facility dedicated exclusively to the timely and secure transport of temperature sensitive pharmaceutical shipments at Dubai International Airport (DXB), has been officially inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.

“Pharmaceuticals are one of the most important products we transport because of the impact on people’s lives and communities across the world,” said Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo.

“As a leader in the global air cargo industry we decided that it was not only important for us to build state-of- the-art cool chain facilities for the transport of pharma products but to also go the extra mile and ensure the compliance of our operations against the highest international standards. Our customers can continue to rest easy knowing that shipping their high-value and temperature-sensitive goods with Emirates SkyCargo is a safe and efficient choice for their business and end customers.”

First and largest GDP Certified multi-airport hub in the world

The new purpose built Emirates SkyPharma facility, part of the new 11,000 square metre extension of Emirates SkyCentral terminal at Dubai International Airport, offers 4,000 square metres of space dedicated to pharmaceutical cargo. It also features temperature controlled zones (2-8 degree Celsius and 15-25 degree Celsius), 88 temperature controlled individual positions in the automated ULD (aircraft pallet) handling system and 5 temperature controlled acceptance and delivery truck docks.

Emirates SkyCargo has also been awarded the certification of compliance under the EU Good Distribution Practice guidelines (GDP) for medicinal products for human use by Bureau Veritas following an audit conducted by the certification agency’s team from Germany. The certification validates the carrier’s adherence to the strict guidelines on the transport and handling of pharmaceutical products and covers all Emirates SkyCargo handling activities for pharmaceutical products at its hub in Dubai.

Emirates SkyCargo is the first cargo airline in the world that has obtained GDP certification for its hub operations covering two airports and the 24/7 bonded trucking service that connects cargo between them. The carrier also operates the largest GDP certified area in the world offering a total area of 8,600 square metres of combined handling space dedicated for pharmaceutical products at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central.

In 2015 Emirates SkyCargo shipped close to 11,000 tonnes of pharmaceutical products across its global network through its hub in Dubai. The top pharmaceutical products shipped include critical medication for diabetes and cancer, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), blood derivatives and vaccines.

Emirates SkyCargo is the largest international airline cargo operator in the world connecting cargo customers to over 150 cities across 82 countries in six continents. Emirates SkyCargo’s cargo hold capacity comprises Emirates’ fleet of more than 250 aircraft, including 15 freighters – 13 Boeing 777-Fs and two B747-400ERFs.

Emirates provides belly-hold cargo space on all of its five daily New Zealand services to Dubai and beyond.

The 2015-16 financial year was a strong one for Emirates SkyCargo with a 6% increase in airfreight uplifted to 2.5 million tonnes. Contributing 14% of the airline’s total transport revenue, Emirates SkyCargo continues to play an integral role in the company’s expanding operations.

ends

© Scoop Media