Etihad Cargo has received UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) approval to expand its dry ice carrying capabilities across its Boeing Dreamliner and Boeing 777 fleet which it said will also strengthen its ability to transport Covid-19 vaccines around the world.

The GCAA approval means the carrier’s main Boeing fleet can now carry up to five times more dry ice per flight, enabling it to provide “enhanced frozen and deep-frozen conditions required for various vaccine types, including the Pfizer, Moderna, and Sputnik vaccines”, which currently need to be stored between -70°C to -18°C.

“Securing GCAA approval for our dry ice carrying capabilities is an important step forward for Etihad Cargo. Not only does it heighten the carrier’s credibility in assuring product integrity, it further elevates the enabling role the airline is playing in the UAE and Abu Dhabi’s efforts to provide a greater number of vaccines across Etihad’s network,” said Andre Blech, Director Global Cargo Operations, Etihad Aviation Group.

Air transportation of dry ice – the solid form of carbon dioxide – is strictly controlled under the applicable dangerous goods regulations as it becomes CO2 gas upon evaporation.

“Etihad Cargo will ensure optimum safety of its expanded carrying capabilities by adhering to all regulatory requirements, including package compliant protocols and mandatory training,” added Blech.