Air Canada Cargo announced that phase 1 of its US$16 million new expanded cold chain facility in the Toronto Pearson International Airport cargo hub has been completed.

This upgraded facility features over 30,000 square feet of temperature-controlled areas and an expanded cooler to fully meet the requirements of cold chain shipments, such as pharmaceuticals, fresh food, and other perishables.

In a statement, it said throughout the rest of the year, the freight carrier will further be upgrading it with permanent and temporary racking and begin using the nearby pits for the temperature-controlled build-up.

It added that later in the year, Air Canada Cargo will also install x-ray machines so that AC Absolute, AC Pharmacair, and AC Fresh shipments can be accepted and screened directly into the cold chain facility.

"We are fully dedicated to the handling of pharmaceuticals and other temperature-sensitive shipments which is why we continue to be CEIV Pharma certified," the carrier said.

To better support cold chain needs, the facility will also have sections of the cooler will be dedicated to COL shipments (+2°C to +8°C) and CRT shipments (+15°C to +25°C) with an area reserved for active temperature control units.

Jason Berry, vice president, cargo, at Air Canada, said the enhanced temperature-controlled facility is the "only one of its kind for a Canadian airline."

"[This] positions Air Canada Cargo to continue successfully growing our business, including the launch of our dedicated freighter aircraft," Berry added.