Qatar Airways Cargo, the freight division of Qatar Airways has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Unicef for a five-year period to support Unicef’s Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative.

Through this initiative, Qatar Airways Cargo will work closely with Unicef and its freight forwarders to prioritise the transport of vaccines, medicines, medical devices and critical supplies utilising its extensive global network and capacity.

Through its QR Pharma product, Qatar Airways Cargo will offer controlled cool chain and dedicated monitoring, intervention and servicing as well as proactive re-icing at its Doha hub when required and will also adjust and increase its cold chain capacity to meet Unicef’s forecasted requirements.

Guillaume Halleux, Chief Officer Cargo said: “The logistics around the transportation of these shipments is complex and being at the forefront of time and temperature-sensitive transportation, we understand the intricacies of a seamless cool chain and the criticality of transporting Covid-19 related shipments on priority.

“We are glad to join hands with Unicef and support them, helping transport vital supplies to impacted regions and communities worldwide. We remain committed and resilient in the fight against the pandemic and together with Unicef, we will ensure the safe, timely and efficient transportation of these life-saving supplies.”

“Delivery of these life-saving vaccines is a monumental and complex undertaking, considering the sheer volumes that need to be transported, the cold chain requirements, the number of expected deliveries and the diversity of routes,” said Etleva Kadilli, Director of Unicef Supply Division.

“We are grateful to these airlines for joining forces with the Unicef Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative to support the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines.”

Unicef’s Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative brings together a number of airlines covering routes to over 100 markets for the air transport of Covid-19 vaccines and other critical supplies in support of the Covax Facility – the global effort aimed at equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines.

Qatar Airways Cargo played a major role during the pandemic last year from the very early stages, ensuring vital aid and PPE is transported globally. The cargo carrier continued in the face of challenges, ensuring continuity of global trade and prioritised medical and aid shipments working closely with governments and NGOs to transport over 250,000 tonnes of essential supplies to impacted regions.

In July 2020, Qatar Airways Cargo also launched One Million Kilos, Chapter 1 of its sustainability programme, WeQare, through which it offered free transport of 1 million kilos of humanitarian aid and medical equipment. Most of the cargo transported was Covid-19 related essential supplies.

It has received the IATA CEIV Pharma certification for its headquarters in Doha and Qatar Aviation Services Cargo, its ground handling partner at Hamad International Airport has also been CEIV Pharma certified. – TradeArabia News Service