Emirates SkyCargo is setting up the world’s first good distribution practice-compliant airside hub as part of its preparations for the global distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available.

The freight division of Emirates has also announced a rapid-response team to coordinate vaccine transportation requests globally.

The Dubai Media Office said that the hub, which will be at the Dubai World Central Airport, Dubai South, will be the largest dedicated airside facility in the world for COVID-19 vaccines. It will allow the carrier to fly in stocks from manufacturing sites globally and store them prior to the preparations for regional and global distribution.

Emirates SkyCargo is leveraging Dubai’s status as a global aviation hub to position itself as a leading site for vaccine distribution.

It is estimated that the 4000 sq. m. facility will have capacity for storage of 10 million vials of the vaccine at between 2–8°C.

As well as cold storage, the facility will include value added services such as re-icing or repackaging.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates chairman and chief executive, said: “Dubai is well positioned to serve as a gateway and distribution hub for COVID-19 vaccines to the rest of the world.

“We have the infrastructure and logistics connections, and a geographic location that puts markets representing more than two-thirds of the world’s population within an eight-hour flying radius.

“Over the years, through our continuous investment in capabilities and processes for the transport of temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals, Emirates SkyCargo has managed to position Dubai amongst major global pharmaceutical customers as the year-round preferred point of transit for their valuable cargo.”

(Writing by Imogen Lillywhite, editing by Daniel Luiz)

imogen.lillywhite@refinitiv.com

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