SpiceXpress launches pharma service to support vaccine distribution

SpiceXpress, the airfreight division of Indian carrier SpiceJet, has launched a new pharma service ahead of widespread global distribution of Covid-19 vaccines.

The Spice Pharma Pro service will help to deliver “reliable, fast and secure” transportation of temperature-sensitive goods throughout the cold chain.

The launch of Spice Pharma Pro comes after SpiceXpress helped to transport essential goods and medical supplies into and around India throughout the pandemic, as well as helping to maintain the country’s supply chains.

Ajay Singh, chairman and managing director at SpiceJet explained: “We have teamed up with global leaders in cold chain solutions offering active and passive packaging with dedicated equipment to perform seamless cold chain operations and I am happy to share that today SpiceXpress has the capability to transport extremely [temperature-] sensitive drugs and vaccines at controlled temperatures ranging from -40°C to 25°C.

“SpiceXpress is ready for the enormous task of distributing sensitive goods both domestically and internationally including Covid-19 vaccines that require stringent transportation conditions.”

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Singh added: “Since the lockdown began, SpiceJet and its cargo arm SpiceXpress, have worked relentlessly to ensure the transport of vital goods and medical supplies to all corners of India and the world. We have constantly innovated — be it converting passenger planes into freighters or carrying cargo on seat.”

SpiceJet currently operates a fleet of 17 aircraft flying cargo services, including three pax-freighter widebody planes.

It is the only Indian carrier to operate direct, long-haul cargo flights to Europe, Africa and CIS countries.

The carrier also operates several domestic routes, supported by its ground transportation and warehousing facilities, to “enhance regional connectivity”. 

Since March 25, SpiceJet has operated more than 10,600 cargo flights and transported more than 83,000 tonnes of cargo.