Coronavirus: First Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine batches arrive in Dubai Airport
Vaccine doses ‘flown, offloaded and cleared’ at dedicated Emirates SkyPharma facility in Dubai, says Emirates SkyCargo
Emirates SkyCargo has overseen the delivery of the first batch of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine into the UAE on behalf of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
Based on evidence from clinical trials, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is 95% effective against the COVID-19 virus Containers with the vaccines arriving at Dubai Airport from Brussels on Emirates flight EK 18 were safely unloaded yesterday evening before being taken to Emirates SkyCargo’s dedicated pharma facility Emirates SkyPharma to await clearance for delivery.
“Emirates is proud to be transporting the first batch of Pfizer vaccines for COVID-19 into the UAE for the Dubai Health Authority,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, CEO, Emirates Group. “Our healthcare ecosystem has played an absolutely critical role in every step of the fight against COVID-19. I would like to thank everyone who has worked unceasingly over the last year to protect the lives of those most vulnerable against the disease. In recognition of their immense contribution for the wellbeing of everyone in the UAE, it has been our honour to transport these vaccines free of charge on our flight.”
Emirates SkyCargo’s Pharma Corridors provides enhanced cool chain protection and its network works with ground handlers and local airports at major pharma origin and destination stations across 30 cities, including Brussels.
Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo said Emirates SkyCargo was doing its part to join Dubai’s efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
He added: “Thanks to the effective management of the pandemic by Dubai’s visionary leadership, the city has retained its position as a global logistical hub for connecting vital cargo including PPE, medical supplies, vaccines, food and other essential items. Emirates SkyCargo has set up the world’s largest airside hub dedicated to distributing COVID-19 vaccines and we stand ready to support not just Dubai, but countries around the world, including markets with limited cool chain infrastructure with our advanced capabilities. By transporting COVID-19 vaccines across our extensive network, we look forward to helping people around the world get back on their feet after the devastating impact of the pandemic.””
