Emirates SkyCargo handles 51,000 tonnes of pharma in 12 months

Cool Chain Aircraft manufacturers Airlines

September 28, 2017

Emirates SkyCargo this month marks the one-year anniversary of the launch of its specialist product Emirates Pharma and says it has handled more than 51,000 tonnes of pharma in those 12 months – valued at over $11 billion.

The Dubai-based carrier says it pharma product, which offers customers three levels to choose from – Emirates Pharma, Emirates Pharma Plus and Emirates Pharma Active – has been well received by customers across the world and this has resulted in a significant increase in the volumes of pharma.

Pharma volumes transported between January and September 2017 grew by over 25 per cent when compared with the same period in 2016. Some of the main types of pharma transported include vaccines, medication for diabetes and cancer, and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).

Emirates SkyCargo has also received a revalidation of the European Union Good Distribution Practices (EU GDP) certification for pharmaceutical operations at its hub in Dubai.

The annual EU GDP surveillance audit for the revalidation was conducted by Bureau Veritas, Germany. It originally received the certification in 2016 for its operations across the Emirates SkyCentral cargo terminals at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central as well as the 24/7 bonded trucking service connecting the two hubs.

Emirates SkyCargo operates a fleet of over 260 aircraft including 14 freighters – 13 Boeing 777-Fs and one B747-400ERF.

James Graham

James Graham is an award-winning transport media journalist with a long background in the commercial freight sector, including commercial aviation and the aviation supply chain. He was the initial Air Cargo Week journalist and retuned later for a stint as editor. He continues his association as editor of the monthly supplements. He has reported for the newspaper from global locations as well as the UK.