Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP Cargo) has signed a new airline lease agreement with pharma container manufacturer va-Q-tec to offer the latest sustainable, advanced passive equipment.
Va-Q-tec’s advanced passive containers can maintain various temperature ranges between -80 °C and +25 °C, set at the start of the journey, for up to 10 days, without any external power supply.
Christel van Dael, business development manager for pharmaceutical logistics at AFKLMP Cargo, said: “Offering va-Q-tec’s solutions is of great importance in view of the logistical challenges we face in transporting coronavirus vaccines worldwide.
“Together we can deliver vaccines to the world in a secure and sustainable manner. We are very happy with this new partnership, which will be of benefit to us in current circumstances, but also in the longer term.”
Terrence Sell, global pharma product manager for air logistics at Kuehne+Nagel, said: “Though it’s not yet possible to define exactly when vaccine-related shipments will commence in full scale, the air cargo community is working at full speed to offer unique cool-chain solutions.
“Introduction of this type of container systems is another step towards maintaining the integrity of sensitive pharmaceutical and vaccine products.”
Sell continued: “We continue to work closely with Air France KLM Martinair Cargo as a trusted and long-standing partner and we are confident that together we will deliver the quality required, ensuring that patients receive whatever medication they need in the right condition at the right time.”
Florent Gand, service manager pharmaceuticals logistics at AFKLMP Cargo, said: “We are proud to have signed this contract with one of the largest container suppliers.
“The combination of our network with the capacity of va-Q-tec containers, to maintain the temperature and integrity of Pharma products, results in a better offering to our common customers. Especially now, during this corona crisis, this partnership is even more important as it will bring speed and efficiency to vaccine distribution.”
A spokesperson for AFKLMP Cargo said: “va-Q-tec’s advanced passive containers are not only suitable for pharmaceutical products, but also for other perishable goods. va-Q-tec’s advanced passive containers do not need extra dry ice to maintain the temperatures down to -60 °C.
“To hold even lower temperatures down to -80 °C, a small amount of dry ice is used – but significantly less than in conventional solutions.
“This reduces the overall use of dry ice, significantly reducing CO2 emissions. The sustainability of va-Q-tec’s innovative product and service portfolio will contribute to our own efforts to work towards a greener future.”
Dr Joachim Kuhn, chief executive and founder of va-Q-tec, added: “va-Q-tec pioneered advanced passive containers which use high-tech vacuum insulation and phase change materials. With our unique and patented technology, we ensure safe, cost-efficient and green shipments around the globe without an external power supply.
“Our containers save valuable energy, resources and CO2 due to their optimal temperature maintenance and lightweight properties. Due to this outstanding technology, we have proved that we are a very reliable partner for our clients even during this challenging time of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Therefore, we are now proud to partner with Air France KLM Martinair Cargo Group and ready to solve any thermal logistic challenge.”
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