Frosti Lau, Cathay Pacific’s General Manager Cargo Service Delivery, spoke about the airline’s expertise in handling pharmaceutical shipments at the Vaccine Logistics Webinar, hosted by the Hong Kong Logistics Association in February.

At a time when air cargo is in the spotlight, his presentation – ‘Vaccine import process and operation management’ – outlined how Cathay Pacific’s Vaccine Solution is managing the challenges and temperature requirements for shipping different COVID-19 vaccines during this critical distribution phase.

The airline’s Vaccine Solution is now in full swing and has been recognised by UNICEF in its Humanitarian Air Freight Initiative. Key to this recognition was the airline’s ability to ensure safe delivery of temperature-sensitive life-science shipments through its recent CEIV Pharma recertification, plus next-generation technologies such as its new Ultra Track product, which allows for near-real-time 24/7 monitoring of cargo, making it ideal for vaccine shipments.

Lau added that enhancements to training for Cathay Pacific Services Limited (CPSL) and ground-handling subsidiary Hong Kong Airport Services Ltd (HAS) have enhanced cargo handling capability at the Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal and Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) for these critical shipments.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) was one of the first airport communities to receive IATA’s CEIV Pharma accreditation, and the close cooperation between Cathay Pacific Cargo, HKIA and other suppliers has helped to maintain Hong Kong’s status as the number one international air cargo hub.