Caribbean Airlines prepares for COVID-19 vaccine distribution

…says it can facilitate transport of temperature-controlled shipments

Caribbean Airlines Cargo announced on Monday that it is currently developing a COVID-19 vaccine transportation plan to ensure its readiness to distribute the drug throughout the Caribbean.
The airline, in a statement, explained that it is presently consulting with stakeholders in advance of making preparations for the movement of the vaccine.
The carrier said it can facilitate the transport of temperature-controlled shipments to the Caribbean from several territories worldwide including Europe, India and the United States. It covers the entire Caribbean including but not limited to Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua, Barbados, Guyana, Grenada, Jamaica, Bahamas and St Maarten.
“Caribbean Airlines Cargo offers expansive global and regional connectivity through its scheduled flights, charter flights and interline arrangements,” the airline said.
General Manager of Cargo and New Business at Caribbean Airlines, Marklan Moseley explained that the company is “steadfast in its commitment to serving the region”.
“Our cargo operations continue to support the Caribbean, delivering critical cargo and ensuring the movement of goods into and out of the region,” he said.
The company reminded that during the early phases of the pandemic, Caribbean Airlines Cargo demonstrated its responsiveness by introducing a cargo charter service for Caribbean countries experiencing limited connectivity as a result of the grounding of passenger flights.
The airline also partnered with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Authority (CDEMA) in August 2020 to distribute COVID-19 test kits and personal protective equipment (PPE) to 16 Caribbean countries.
“We look forward to playing a pivotal role in our region’s recovery through the secure and efficient movement of the COVID-19 vaccine,” Moseley noted.
For its part, the Guyana Government has already begun preparations for the vaccine and it is anticipated that cold storage spaces should be ready by mid-January.
The US drug company Moderna had announced that its vaccine, the mRNA-1273 from Biotech, could be stored in a standard refrigerator with temperatures of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius (36 degrees to 46 degrees Fahrenheit) for 30 days.
The Pfizer and BioNtech vaccine, however, must be stored at very cold temperatures of minus 70 to 80 degrees.
Guyana is accessing its vaccines through the COVAX facility, a global initiative that brings together governments and manufacturers to ensure COVID-19 vaccines reach those in greatest need.