Air Canada Cargo opens new $16m cold chain facility
16 / 03 / 2022
Photo: Air Canada
Air Canada Cargo’s $16m cold chain handling facility at its Toronto Pearson International Airport cargo hub has been inaugurated.
The project was undertaken to expand and enhance Air Canada Cargo’s cold chain handling capabilities for shipments such as pharmaceuticals, fresh food and other perishables.
Jason Berry, vice president, cargo, at Air Canada, said: “The enhanced temperature-controlled facility is the only one of its kind for a Canadian airline and positions Air Canada Cargo to continue successfully growing our business, including the launch of our dedicated freighter aircraft.”
Air Canada Cargo’s upgraded facility will feature over 30,000 sq ft of temperature-controlled areas and an expanded cooler to fully meet the requirements of cold chain shipments, such as pharmaceuticals, fresh food and other perishables.
The extended cooler can accommodate more unit load devices (ULD) and loose shipments with COL (+2°C to +8°C) and CRT (+15°C to +25°C) temperature requirements, provide additional racking, and an upgraded dedicated area for active temperature control units.
To contribute to Air Canada’s long-term net zero emissions goal, energy efficient equipment has been installed such as temperature controllers that will constantly monitor the conditions inside the facility and only regulate the temperature as needed, resulting in reduced energy consumption.
Rapid roll-up doors have also been installed to minimise the energy loss when the cooler is accessed to store or retrieve goods. LED lighting has been installed throughout the facility, further reducing energy consumption.
The upgrades are the first step in a multi-year investment plan for the facility and are part of several planned infrastructure investment projects for Air Canada Cargo.
Air Canada Cargo saw all-time high cargo revenues of nearly C$1.5bn in 2021, compared with C$920m in 2020.
