Emirates SkyCargo has announced that it has crossed a major milestone in the global distribution of Covid-19 vaccines with 600 million doses flown on its flights.

It said since October 2020, the carrier has transported more than 2.8 million kilograms (2800 tonnes) of COVID-19 vaccines from 35 origins to over 80 destinations.

"Emirates SkyCargo remains committed to the rapid distribution of Covid-19 vaccines to vulnerable communities around the world. When we formulated our Covid-19 distribution strategy in 2020, Emirates SkyCargo prioritised the movement of COVID-19 vaccines through our Dubai hub to developing countries," said Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo.

"I’m happy to announce that nearly two thirds of the total vaccines we transported were headed to destinations in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. With our extensive reach across six continents, our wide-body capacity and expertise in cool chain logistics, Emirates SkyCargo will continue to be a reliable partner for the distribution of Covid-19 vaccines in the months to come," Sultan added.

Increase in vaccine transport cited

With the increasing roll-out of vaccination and booster campaigns across global markets, Emirates SkyCargo noted that it witnessed a "steady increase" in the demand for transportation of Covid-19 vaccines in the second half of 2021.

In October and November 2021 alone, Emirates SkyCargo moved more than 200 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, almost one third of the total COVID-19 vaccines transported by the carrier since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Emirates SkyCargo said it transported to Asia 185 million doses of the vaccine, Africa (150 million doses) and the Middle East (70 million doses) continue to be priority markets for vaccine delivery.

North America and Europe are the main origin regions for COVID-19 vaccines for Emirates SkyCargo and its GDP certified pharma terminal in Chicago has handled more than 160 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines flown from the US to countries around the world.

In June 2021, Emirates SkyCargo expanded its pharma cool chain infrastructure at Dubai International Airport, allowing it to store an additional estimated 60-90 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines.

The carrier said it continues to offer cargo capacity on more than 2,800 weekly flights connecting more than 140 destinations across six continents.