Cool Chain Association launches Covid-19 airport matrix

The Cool Chain Association (CCA) has launched a Covid-19 matrix to help airports prepare operations for the launch of vaccines.

The matrix looks at adherence to temperature requirements, packaging, forecast and quantity, and timeframe across different stages in a vaccine’s journey through an airport.

CCA members will fill out the matrix and then bring together the information to help the supply chain to focus on potential pinch points, training needs, safety and security, as well as supplier and risk management, and quality.

The matrix also incorporates sections on facilities, and warehouse, and ramp operations.

“CCA members can share vital information which, once consolidated, will provide a useful resource as the industry prepares in the best way we can for the distribution of the vaccines,” said Nicola Caristo, secretary general at the CCA and airline partner manager at SkyCell.

“We are not aiming to suddenly find an end-to-end solution, but focusing on airports, where we know there are potential bottlenecks and where we can use the vast knowledge in our network to help establish workable guidelines.”

The scheme was unveiled during CCA’s recent Covid-19 Taskforce Workshop, where the focus was also placed on the need for both shippers and legislators to play their part.

“It will be essential to have the buy-in from customs and other legislators,” said CCA board member Fabrizio Iacobacci, head of pharma business development at Bcube Air Cargo.

“But we should also look at encouraging shippers to be involved and start investing in signing up for Known Shipper status wherever possible to help speed up the process.”

Share this story

Related Topics

Latest perishable logistics news

Rhenus opens Heathrow produce hub

German-owned global forwarder Rhenus has opened a temperature-controlled perishable handling facility at London-Heathrow, making it one of the few freight…

Read More

Share this story

PML Seafrigo positive on the future despite challenging market conditions

It is a year since Seafrigo purchased UK perishables forwarder PML and the firm’s director, Mike Parr, has said the…

Read More

Share this story

Swissport Tanzania gains IATA CEIV Fresh certification

Swissport Tanzania has been awarded IATA CEIV Fresh certification for its air cargo logistics operations at Julius Nyerere International Airport in…

Read More

Share this story

Damian Brett

Damian Brett
I have been writing about the freight and logistics industry since 2007 when I joined International Freighting Weekly to cover the shipping sector.After a stint in PR, I have gone on to work for Containerisation International and Lloyds List - where I was editor of container shipping - before joining Air Cargo News in 2015.Contact me on [email protected]