Cargo carrier joins the UN body’s humanitarian airfreight mission
Saudia Cargo is one of the first airfreight carriers to become part of the ‘Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative’ launched by UNICEF to support the prioritization of Covid-19 vaccines delivery alongside essential medicines, medical devices and other critical supplies to fight the pandemic.
The members of the initiative are 10 leading airlines which together cover routes to over 100 countries with one goal in mind, to support the COVAX Facility – the global effort to ensure equitable access to the vaccines regardless of any country’s income level.
COVAX facilities’ first round distribution plan provides doses to 145 countries starting the first half of 2021.
The initiative commits airlines to prioritize the shipment of all live-saving supplies, add freight capacity to routes whenever necessary, and take the important measures of temperature control and security.
“Saudia Cargo is ready and able to be part of the UNICEF Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative through our wide range of destinations and connection points. We will ensure the maximum global reach for the vaccines. Safe, timely and efficient transportation of these supplies are paramount considerations,” affirmed Omar Hariri, CEO, Saudia Cargo.
“Delivery of these life-saving vaccines is a monumental and complex undertaking, considering the sheer volumes that need to be transported, the cold chain requirements, the number of expected deliveries and the diversity of routes” observed Etleva Kadilli, Director, UNICEF Supply Division.
Saudia Cargo is among ten of the world’s largest airfreight companies operating under the COVAX facilities effective delivery strategy will form a global coalition for logistics preparedness mechanism for any potential humanitarian health crises on short and long terms.
