KENYA – Kenya’s national airline Kenya Airways popularly known KQ, has unveiled a specialized pharmaceutical facility to meet the growing demand for medical shipments across Africa.
According to a statement posted on Kenya Airways website, the facility will ensure the safe handling of the temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals and other health care products in accordance to World Health Organization guidelines.
The need for specialized facilities to transport pharmaceutical goods has risen sharply particularly in this Covid-19 pandemic period.
Airlines around the world are adjusting facilitate the transportation of Covid-19 vaccines all over the globe.
Kenya Airways says it is adequately prepared to facilitate the movement of the Covid-19 vaccine even to remote destinations using Boeing 787 and Boeing 737 aircraft.
The air carrier has put in measures to prevent unlawful interference with the vaccines.
Additionally, KQ meets all international and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and integrity of the time and temperature-sensitive products along the supply chain.
Kenya Airways rival, Ethiopian Airlines, has already signed a partnership with Chinese logistics company, Cainiao, for the distribution of Covid-19 vaccine throughout Africa and beyond.
In late March, while other African airlines were grounded, Ethiopian saw the opportunity to convert 25 passenger planes to cargo and deployed its 54,000 sqm pharma wing to store and distribute Covid-19 medical supplies and PPE donations from China and the UN World Food Programme to more than 80 countries in Africa, Canada, the US, Europe, Asia, and South America.
Liked this article? Subscribe to DealStreet Africa News, our regular email newsletter with the latest news, deals and insights from Africa’s business, economy and more. SUBSCRIBE HERE