AFKLMP Cargo upgrades Schiphol Pharma Hub to transport Covid-19 vaccines

September 23, 2020: Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) is constructing a brand-new climate-cool room at its Schiphol Pharma Hub, a new step in preparation for the distribution of Covid-19 vaccines, which will be handled by a dedicated task force, as announced in August.

The additional cold room, with temperatures ranging from +2°C to +8°C, will provide the capacity required to handle Covid-19 vaccines.

• Using the latest technology, AFKLMP Cargo will offer:
• Additional 2,061 cubic metres in storage space
• Dangerous Goods and dry ice compatible service
• Additional 152 skid positions
• Flexible temperature range
• Flexible racks to accommodate odd-sized shipments
• Monitoring from a central control room
• Temperature alarm system
• Speed door to limit exposure
• Synthetic floor

Enrica Calonghi, global head of pharmaceutical logistics at AFKLMP Cargo, said, “Just a few months ago, AFKLMP Cargo already invested in 1,118 cubic metres of additional controlled-climate room (CRT) at Schiphol using the same hybrid technology. With the construction of this brand-new climate-cool room we will be as flexible as possible to handle more vaccines if necessary.”

AFKLMP Cargo is continuously improving services and investing in infrastructure at its Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) hubs.

“We are fully prepared for shipping Covid-19 vaccines,” said GertJan Roelands, SVP of sales and distribution at AFKLMP Cargo. “The transportation of pharmaceuticals and other healthcare goods is a strategic priority for AFKLMP Cargo. We are thrilled with this investment, which will further improve the service standards of our Schiphol Pharma Hub. We will keep improving infrastructure, introducing digital initiatives and pursuing others innovations to meet the highest industry standards for transporting pharmaceuticals and other healthcare goods.”