Dnata adds cool dollies for pharma shipments at Singapore

Cargo handler dnata has added cool dollies to its operation at Singapore Changi Airport — the first company to offer the temperature-controlled transporters at the hub.

The company said its dollies are specially designed to serve the pharmaceutical industry with a closed temperature-controlled system for seamless delivery of temperature-sensitive goods between cargo warehouses and aircraft.

The units provide temperature-controlled storage from -18°C up to 25°C. They have a closed structure with alarms on opening and closing, as well as alerts if temperatures fluctuate above acceptable ranges. As they are fitted with solar panels, the cool dollies are both environmentally friendly and autonomous. The units are also hygienic and easy to clean

Dirk Goovaerts, dnata’s regional chief executive for Asia Pacific, said: “It has become increasingly crucial for both airlines and freight forwarders to be supported by a reliable, certified handler that can protect their pharma shipments and ensure the products remain in perfect condition until they reach the end customer. Our latest investment in cool dollies underlines our commitment to ensuring the highest quality of supply chain management when handling temperature-sensitive cargo.”

The move has been welcomed by the cargo community based around the airport.

Ho Yuen Sang, director, aviation industry, Civil Aviation Authority Singapore (CAAS), said: “Air cargo continues to play an important role in enabling the flow of essential goods such as pharmaceutical supplies, even as passenger traffic has been impacted significantly by Covid-19. This is a good example of the spirit of innovation and collaboration that drives our aviation community to create more value for Changi’s customers.”

Law Chung Ming, director for transport and logistics, Enterprise Singapore (ESG), said: “Innovation in healthcare supply chain and logistics will be key in affirming Singapore’s status as a connectivity hub to handle high value and sensitive cargo flows.

“Dnata’s partnership with local SME, Monzone, which provided the technical expertise for the development of Changi Airport’s first cool dollies, is testament of our ability to co-develop solutions to meet the region’s growing pharmaceutical needs. ”

Finally, Lim Ching Kiat, managing director, air hub development, Changi Airport Group (CAG), said: “Pharmaceuticals and perishables shipments are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuation and require stringent temperature control to maintain product effectiveness and freshness.

“The cool dolly services further enhance Singapore as a reliable and quality air hub for pharma and perishables products.”