The freight division of the largest airline of the UAE, Emirates SkyCargo has become the first airline cargo operator in the world to have transported more than 50 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines on its flights.
Since late 2020, when the international distribution of vaccines started the Emirates SkyCargo has shipped over 220 tonnes of COVID-19 vaccines on more than 150 flights from manufacturing locations to 50 destinations through Dubai. Overall, the carrier has transported six versions of COVD-19 vaccines. It has also delivered more than 100 tonnes of syringes in support of the vaccines.
Nabil Sultan Emirates Divisional SVP Cargo
“Emirates SkyCargo is proud to have reached the 50 million COVID-19 vaccine delivery milestone just ahead of World Health Day. We have been leading the global air cargo industry’s efforts and working with our partner organizations in Dubai to rapidly distribute COVID-19 vaccines through Dubai to the rest of the world.”
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Emirates SkyCargo has remained agile by quickly responding to maintain international connectivity for essential goods across the world.
The airline was one of the first in the world to deploy passenger aircraft for cargo-only flights to transport PPE, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and food. Over one year, Emirates SkyCargo had operated more than 27,800 flights and transported over 100,000 tonnes of essential commodities.
Last year, Emirates SkyCargo set up an EU GDP certified dedicated airside hub for the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines at its hub in Dubai. Earlier this year, the airline collaborated with DP World, International Humanitarian City and Dubai Airports to form the ‘Dubai Vaccine Logistics Alliance’ to secure the strategic strengths of Dubai as a major distribution hub.
In February 2021, Emirates SkyCargo entered into an agreement with UNICEF to prioritize transportation of COVID-19 vaccines in support of the COVAX facility which is aimed at the equitable global distribution of vaccines.
