The Schiphol cargo community has set-up a task force to prepare the logistics once a coronavirus vaccine is ready.

The task force is led by Air Cargo Netherlands, Schiphol Cargo and Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, as well as other players in the logistics industry. The industry is working together to prepare for different ‘vaccine scenarios’, based on different temperatures.

“We have a strong pharma and air cargo community at Schiphol, we know what we are talking about, and we will be ready for what is coming,” said Maarten van As, managing director,  Air Cargo Netherlands.

“As an industry interest group, part of the supply chain, we have a social responsibility to participate and do our part in the distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine – it is not just about the Netherlands, it is about getting the vaccine distributed at speed to the world,” he added.

Ferry van der Ent, director of business development, Schiphol Cargo, added: “The most important thing is to provide a safe, secure, and reliable trade lane, especially when there is a peak in demand so that we can guarantee the vaccines are tamper-free, with no temperature excursions and handled properly.

Enrica Calonghi, global head of pharmaceutical logistics at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, said: “We have to work collaboratively and that is one positive that 2020 has brought us. It means that as a community, we should not just think about capacity in the air, but also on the ground, from the trucks to the warehouse space, and we have to think as a community.”