Hope Consortium adds forwarders to aid in Covid-19 vaccine distribution

A group of freight forwarders have been selected by the the Hope Consortium, a UAE-based public-private partnership, to support the distribution of Covid-19 vaccines across the globe.

The latest consortium partners include Agility, Aramex, Hellmann and Kuehne+Nagel, which will help address the different steps of the logistical challenge, including last-mile distribution.

The Hope Consortium appointed these global transport companies based on their “expert abilities and reach to safely and effectively deliver vaccine doses under cold and ultra-cold conditions (temperature bands 2-8°C, -20° C and -80°C) between transportation hubs, warehouses, medical facilities and other final destinations in over 170 countries”.

The Hope Consortium consists of Etihad Cargo, Abu Dhabi Ports, Rafed – the healthcare purchasing arm of Abu Dhabi-based ADQ and temperature-controlled ULD firm SkyCell.

Martin Drew, senior vice president sales and cargo, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “The inclusion of leading freight forwarders will further strengthen the Hope Consortium proposition and elevate our global capabilities. Etihad Cargo’s strong existing partnerships with these entities, coupled with our experience in the shipment of temperature-sensitive cargo, will streamline our approach and add further confidence to a visionary collaboration. We are proud to be one of the first airlines to embark on a project of this scale.”