As governments around the world fast-track plans for COVID-19 vaccine distribution, global aviation services group Air Partner is preparing to aid in the quick and efficient delivery of these critical supplies, along with other essential cargo during the anticipated peak season. Drawing on its expertise carrying out hundreds of cargo flights thus far in the fight against COVID-19, the leading freight solutions specialist is available to provide unique charter arrangements at a moment’s notice, even to the world’s most hard-to-reach, remote destinations.
“Careful advance planning is well underway in the air transport industry to ensure that capacity needs can be met for any large-scale delivery of potential COVID-19 vaccines around the world, in addition to the high demand of commodities that surge in the fourth quarter due to the holiday season and end-of-year contracts,” said Jack Burt, vice president of U.S. Freight at Air Partner. “While some vaccines and related materials will be able to be transported by land, air cargo will be vital in reaching international locations without local manufacturing capabilities, and Air Partner is ready to assist in that key role.”
With access to any size cargo aircraft, including those ideally suited for the shipment of pharmaceutical and medical supplies, as well as the most advanced temperature-controlled containers, Air Partner’s global freight team is well-equipped to meet the specific transport needs for sensitive and time-critical items such as COVID-19 vaccine-related supplies, materials and equipment. This includes adhering to highly regulated and temperature-controlled specifications, as evidenced by the company’s recent work in the urgent transportation of more than 5,000 experimental COVID-19 test kits from South Korea to Washington, D.C.
Boasting a global network of offices, such as a recently opened location in South Africa, Air Partner’s freight team can help clients reach any destination in the world – including smaller, more remote and unimproved locations. As experts in meticulous logistics planning for part, full or series air charter scheduling, Air Partner is able to handle all special handling requirements, timely regulatory approvals, diplomatic clearance channels for international routes, permits, airport transfers and ground transportation logistics to ensure complete precision and a smooth operation for timely and efficient transport. Dedicated team members can also be made available to assist on-site with loading and coordination of the aircraft, as well as the provision of a medic to perform temperature check of crew at the airport or COVID-19 tests.
“Since air charter has proven to be a successful method of transport for the urgent demand of COVID-19 test kits and other necessities throughout the pandemic, it has paved a path for us to be perfectly positioned to support this global undertaking with the careful distribution of essential items during this time of urgency,” added Burt. “We can expect limited aircraft availability due to the emergency transport of the vaccine, along with standard items that have been affected, so advanced planning is always advantageous.”