Etihad Cargo partners on new cool chain facility

Etihad Cargo, Etihad Airport Services and Abu Dhabi Airports are developing a new cool chain facility that will more than double the carrier’s pharma capacity at the airport’s cargo village.

The new 3,000 sq m facility features bulk loading docks with levellers, high-speed roll-up shutters, insulation and a real-time temperature monitoring system, increased storage space, additional build-up and breakdown zones and upgraded cool chain facilities for Etihad Cargo’s PharmaLife handling and storage operations.

The new facility will also feature new x-ray screening for customs inspections within a fully temperature-controlled environment and new dedicated thermal covers.

The expanded facility comes as the carrier has seen its cool chain volumes rise over recent years.

During the past 12 months, the airline has transported over 50,000 tonnes of cool chain products, including pharmaceutical and healthcare products.

Martin Drew, senior vice president global sales and cargo at Etihad Aviation Group, said: “This joint venture located at Etihad Cargo’s hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport provides the perfect location to link the Middle East to not only Asia and Europe, but also the US and Africa, so life-saving medicines and the latest treatments can be transported seamlessly around the world to those that need them the most.

“Investment into the carrier’s infrastructure and Abu Dhabi hub will enable Etihad Cargo to meet the future challenges of the pharma supply chain and will play a significant role in co-creating a robust and future-proof healthcare ecosystem here in the UAE and around the world.”

Steven Polmans, vice president of business development and regulatory affairs at Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ), added: “The upcoming launch of this dedicated pharmaceuticals storage and handling facility will enhance AUH’s capabilities as a cargo hub and aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a global business, pharmaceutical and life science hub.

“The strong collaboration between Etihad Cargo, Etihad Airport Services and Abu Dhabi Airports will continue to increase pharmaceutical cargo volumes and further position Abu Dhabi as a major solutions provider in the logistics supply chain.”