Korean Air has launched a COVID-19 vaccine transport taskforce to prepare for the safe and swift transport of the vaccine once it becomes available.
The airline’s task force is monitoring vaccine developments, including:
- vaccine types and corresponding storage temperatures;
- identifying and securing necessary equipment and facilities;
- strengthening monitoring, safety and security procedures to deal with exceptional situations; and
- conducting simulations of diverse scenarios.
“Korean Air’s task force is reviewing all aspects concerning the vaccine’s transport, and will develop a strong system and infrastructure for its safe and swift distribution when it’s ready to be delivered,” said EUM Jae Dong, Senior Vice President and Head of Cargo Business Division at Korean Air.
Korean Air’s cargo terminal at Incheon International Airport has 1,292 sq mt of cold storage that can accommodate 100 tonnes of freight. To expand its capacities, the airline plans to use the 2,533 sq mt Cool Cargo Center to open next year at the airport’s Terminal 2.
Korean Air has considerable experience delivering specialised and emergency freight during the COVID-19 pandemic including medical equipment and personal protection equipment. In April, the airline was recognised for its swift delivery of half a million COVID-19 test kits to Baltimore-Washington International Airport in Maryland, US, an airport it had never visited before.
Because of the carrier’s expertise in managing and transporting pharmaceuticals, Korean Air has been certified by International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Pharma certification.
