Etihad Cargo has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with B Medical Systems for sustainable pharmaceutical transportation solutions.

The MoU will see Etihad Cargo partner with B Medical Systems to develop and launch an airline-specific passive temperature-controlled solution for the transportation of life-saving drugs, vaccines, and high-value pharmaceuticals.

Etihad Cargo said it will collaborate with Luxembourg-based manufacturer and global distributor of medical refrigeration devices, B Medical Systems, to develop more sustainable temperature-controlled container units that work utilising passive cooling technology.

The units will retain temperatures from -80 to 25 degrees Celsius for up to five days without requiring an external power source, with load capabilities ranging from two to 1,500 litres.

The cargo carrier noted that through the reduction in power needed to maintain the temperature for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments, these units will significantly reduce carbon emissions.

"While other traditional active container providers are offering containers fit for multi-modal transportation, Etihad Cargo is the first airline globally to collaborate with a partner in the development and launch of units specifically tailored to air transportation," said Martin Drew, Etihad Aviation Group's senior vice president – Sales & Cargo, adding that sustainability has been and continues to be a priority for Etihad Cargo.

"While the aviation sector only accounts for 4% of global carbon emission today, if the sector continues to grow at its current pace, it could account for up to 25% of emissions by 2050. This is why it is so important for the sector to invest in more sustainable solutions for its customers," he added.

Drew noted that partnering with B Medical Systems is the latest step by Etihad Cargo to achieve its sustainability targets.

"By replacing legacy active cold chain air transportation containers with aviation-specific units that consume less energy, Etihad Cargo is future-proofing the transportation of pharmaceuticals, providing a better solution for Etihad Cargo's customers, the aviation industry, and the environment," the executive further said.

Jesal Doshi, deputy CEO of B Medical Systems, said the transport of temperature-sensitive specimens needs a robust cold chain.

"Etihad Cargo's operational knowledge along with our expertise in creating quality medical cold chain solutions will enable us to develop aviation-specific sustainable units for the safe, effective, and environmentally friendly transportation of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and specimens."

Etihad Cargo said trials of the sustainable container units will commence shortly, and a commercial launch date will be announced following the successful completion of the trials.

Abu Dhabi has recently strengthened its capabilities as a life sciences hub through a pharma collaboration with Belgium, a global pharmaceutical hub, establishing a global distribution corridor between Abu Dhabi and Brussels to serve the world in vaccine delivery and future life science needs.