Emirates SkyCargo has made significant strides in its pharmaceutical and cool chain operations, especially wiht the establishment of a dedicated pharmaceutical hub in Dubai back in 2016.
“Currently, we have facilities at both Dubai International and DWC, linked by our efficient trucking network. This setup allows us to connect freighters with passenger flights seamlessly—an infrastructure designed for future expansion,” shared Julian Sutch, the Head of Cool Chain at Emirates SkyCargo.
“When COVID-19 struck, we had to pivot quickly. We shifted our freighters back to Dubai and ramped up capacity to meet rising demand. Now that things are stabilizing, we’re returning operations to DWC while laying out a long-term growth strategy,” he added.
Looking beyond Dubai, Emirates SkyCargo is keen on broadening its global reach.The team is actively involved in enhancing capabilities through projects like the Al Maktoum International airport initiative.
“We currently manage around two million kilograms of pharmaceuticals weekly alongside six million kilograms of perishables,” Sutch noted. “While perishables dominate volume-wise, pharmaceuticals take priority due to their critical nature.”
Understanding Challenges
The integrity of products during transport hinges on thorough lane risk assessments that evaluate every step from origin—like London—to final destinations.
If certain locations lack proper infrastructure for temperature-sensitive shipments, identifying risks ahead of time becomes essential.Collaborating with partners ensures access to appropriate equipment for safe transport.
The journey from manufacturing site to patient involves numerous potential hurdles; some areas may not have dry ice available or facilities capable of powering temperature-controlled units.
A new breed of hybrid systems exists that don’t require dry ice or electricity—perfect for managing cold chains where resources are limited. In such cases, Emirates SkyCargo suggests optimal packaging solutions tailored for each destination’s capabilities.
The customs process can also complicate matters; some countries allow pre-clearance while others do not—which can lead to delays despite effective packaging maintaining temperatures during customs hold-ups. Ultimately though, if shipments linger too long at customs without proper handling options available, even the best packaging has limits.” Sutch emphasized the importance: “Patients everywhere need access; what’s crucial is finding efficient routes.”
Collaboration Fuels Success
When seeking quotes from various airports for services needed by clients like manufacturers or forwarders who handle sensitive cargoes directly—the company prioritizes those experienced in both pharmaceuticals and perishables.
“We collaborate closely with manufacturers since they’re responsible for ensuring their products reach patients safely,” said Sutch.
To enhance service offerings further last year saw the launch of a specialized product calledEmirates Vital , aimed specifically at transporting individual patient treatments where timing often outweighs temperature control concerns due largely because stability comes from innovative packaging solutions developed just right!
To speed up processes upon arrival into Dubai shipments bypass main processing centers instantly transferred via dedicated cool vans straight between aircraft minimizing delays significantly!
Sutch elaborated:“Our extensive flight network supports this efficiency—for instance seven daily flights operate out London alone allowing quick rebooking within an hour if necessary! Connections through hubs like Sydney ensure timely delivery.”
Last week I discussed an urgent shipment worth half a million dollars needing immediate attention—a situation where every second counts! Thanks again thanks again thanks again thanks again thanks again thanks again thanks again!
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