Air re-connectivity to quicken Covid vaccine distribution

The International Air Transport Association (Iata) said on Monday that governments need to reestablish air connectivity to ensure adequate capacity and temperature-controlled storage facilities are available for Covid-19 vaccine distribution.

In its “Guidance” released to ensure that the air cargo industry is ready to support the large-scale handling, transport and distribution of the vaccine, the global body of airlines said governments and the logistics supply chain have to take strict measures for what will be the largest and most complex global logistics operation ever undertaken.

“Delivering billions of doses of a vaccine that must be transported and stored in a deep-frozen state to the entire world efficiently will involve hugely complex logistical challenges across the supply chain,” Iata director-general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said.

“While the immediate challenge is the implementation of Covid-19 testing measures to re-open borders without quarantine, we must be prepared for when a vaccine is ready. This guidance material is an important part of those preparations,” he said.

Key challenges addressed in the guidance include the availability of temperature-controlled storage facilities and contingencies when such facilities are not available; and defining roles and responsibilities of parties involved in the distribution of vaccines, “particularly government authorities and NGOs, to assist safe, fast and equitable distribution as broadly as possible”.

Industry preparedness for vaccine distribution includes timely regulatory approvals and storage and clearance by customs and health authorities will be essential. Priorities for border processes include introducing fast-track procedures for overflight and landing permits for operations carrying the Covid-19 vaccine and potential tariff relief to facilitate the movement of the vaccine.

— issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com