During the financial year 2018/19, Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo division of Emirates transported more than 75,000 tonnes of pharmaceuticals through its network. To reinforce its position as the global market leader for the air transport of temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals, Emirates SkyCargo has significantly boosted its worldwide pharma handling capabilities and infrastructure in recent time.
Emirates SkyCargo has commenced handling pharmaceutical cargo at a new purpose-built facility in Chicago. The dedicated pharma facility in Chicago is part of Emirates SkyCargo’s broader strategy to enhance protection for temperature sensitive pharma shipments not just at its hub in Dubai but from origin to destination. Following up on the success of the pharma corridors initiative which was announced in Jan 2018, Emirates SkyCargo has expanded its initial network of 12 pharma stations to 20.
The new facility at Cgicago, dedicated solely for pharmaceutical shipments, is spread over 1,000 sq. metres with a capacity of 15,000 tonnes of pharma shipments per annum. The facility offers temperature controlled zones (2-8 degree Celsius and 15-25 degree Celsius) for acceptance and delivery, pharma cargo build up, breakdown, storage and direct ramp access.
s part of pharma corridors, Emirates SkyCargo works with ground handling partners and other local stakeholders at the stations that are important origin or destination points for pharma. Emirates SkyCargo’s pharma operations in Dubai including the 24*7 trucking operations between its terminals at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central have been certified as compliant to EU GDP (Good Distribution Practices) guidelines this year. Emirates SkyCargo first received GDP certification in 2016 which was then revalidated in 2017 and 2018. With over 8,000 square metres of dedicated pharma storage and handling space, Emirates SkyCargo operates the world’s largest multi-airport GDP certified hubs in Dubai.
