AIR FRANCE/KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP), along with ground handling agent Swissport Cargo Services, have been intensifying their credentials for the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. With life-saving vaccines in mind, Swissport has opened a new 17,000-sq m facility at Frankfurt Airport, a move that enhances its operations in Germany which is also a strategic market for the combination of a European airline.
The new ground handling hub boasts a pharmaceuticals center with three entrances, and which has a vast storage area divided into a 520-sq m section for +2°C to +8°C temperature ranges and a 1,300-sq m zone for +15°C to +25°C, along with active container capacity and approximately 30 plug-in stations with separately fused, high-voltage connections. ULDs are housed in an adjacent temperature-controlled area of +15°C to +25°C.
The structure, which also caters for restricted dangerous goods shipments with temperature requirements; is environment-friendly with solar roof panels which have a power generation capacity of approximately 1.5 million kilowatt-hours per year; an e-fleet, including forklifts; and e-charging car-park stations.
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With its focus on improved efficiency, the facility also employs a slot-management system for timely truck deliveries, thereby avoiding peak bottlenecks and long waiting times, as well as available live information in its standardized and uniform processes.
At the same time as the Swissport project, and together with other business partners, AF/KLM Martinair Cargo has been refining its preparations for the transportation of vaccines, a process which includes the creation of a special COVID-19 Task Force, the expansion of its pharmaceuticals handling facilities, improved monitoring and intervention management, and increasing its strategic partnerships with suppliers of pharma containers.
“The new Swissport facility will enable us to offer customers best-in-class handling services, in line with our ambition to lead the market in terms of service excellence, specifically in the field of logistical solutions for pharma and healthcare,” outlines a statement.
GertJan Roelands, senior vice-president of sales and distribution at AFKLMP Cargo, notes: “Germany is a strategic market for Air France KLM Martinair Cargo. We are continually striving to enhance our product proposition to assure our customers of the best possible service. Together with Swissport, we will be taking the next step in achieving this ambition.”
Peter Visser, director for Germany and Austria at AFKLMP Cargo, adds: “Together, we are ready for a future in which we will offer customers extensive capabilities, including the transportation of COVID-19 vaccines,” he asserts.
