IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG) has announced that it has now transported over 10 million COVID vaccines, supporting global efforts in the fight against COVID-19.
This includes a 4 million dose shipment to Abuja, Nigeria in collaboration with UNICEF and its COVAX initiative and 300,000 doses to Jamaica, donated by the UK government.
The Abuja shipment, completed on behalf of UNICEF, departed London Heathrow in July on two British Airways B777-200.
The 300,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines bound for Jamaica also departed in July and were delivered in partnership with Crown Agents on a British Airways B777-200.
This was in coordination with the UK Government’s scheme, announced at the G7 summit in June, to donate 100 million vaccines overseas, with at least 80 million pledged to COVAX and the remainder sent directly to countries, including Jamaica.
The COVID-vaccine shipments have been transported using IAG Cargo’s specialist Constant Climate service.
Darren Peek, Head of Sales at IAG Cargo said: “We’re proud that with our sister airlines, British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus, we continue to support countries across the world on the fight against COVID-19. “Last year we delivered over 20,000 tonnes of PPE and today we have delivered over 10 million COVID-19 vaccines working with UNICEF and partners like Crown Agents. “We will continue to work with a range of partners in the global response to COVID-19, supporting the efforts to ensure equal access to vaccines for all countries across the world.”
Crown Agents CEO Fergus Drake said: “As of today, 29% of the world’s population has been vaccinated. Urgent help is needed to ensure 70% vaccine coverage in every country in 2022 as per the WHO’s recommendation. “Crown Agents is proud to contribute towards this goal with its long-standing, global supply chain expertise.”
