Air France KLM Martinair Cargo ready to transport COVID-19 vaccines

Temperature controlled aircraft transport possible up to -80°C

As of March this year, Air France KLM's cargo division is committed to maintaining its global air freight network as part of vital freight flows. During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare institutions and individuals could and can have access to medicines, medical equipment and personal protective equipment and other critical products. Now the next logistical challenge is facing: the worldwide distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

Around 15 billion vaccines are expected to be distributed worldwide. Many of these will have to be transported at very low temperatures. For example, the Pfizer vaccine must be stored frozen (at -70°C degrees Celsius). Other vaccines should be distributed at a constant temperature between +2 and +8°C. AFKLMP Cargo has developed logistic solutions with its partners to ensure the quality of the vaccines throughout the distribution chain and is ready for it.

Pieter Elbers, CEO KLM commented: "The prospect of the arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine is very good news. At the same time, it brings a new challenge; a fast and safe transport of billions of vaccines worldwide. We are ready for this and that is thanks to colleagues and partners who have worked hard on this together. 

KLM has previously contributed to the airlift for a flow of approximately 90 million mouth masks, protective clothing and respiratory equipment. Now we are going to bring the vaccine safely and quickly to the Netherlands and the rest of the world. I am proud that our Cargo colleagues will carry out this complex and responsible task."