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Shining a light on COVID-19 vaccines transport requirements and airfreight readiness: updates on project Sunrays

Our latest project, Sunrays, in partnership with Pharma.Aero is progressing well. All TIACA members have been invited to the first Sunrays webinars on  September 30th and October 1st to get the latest insights on vaccines development and logistics requirements from pharma shippers and on the outcomes of the Airfreight readiness survey we run in September.

For the first time, TIACA and Pharma.Aero organized an online press briefing to present the key outcomes of the Airfreight readiness survey to the media. It generated a lot of traction on both cargo press and mainstream with coverage from Bloomberg and Reuters spreading the word all over the world.

For the first time, TIACA and Pharma.Aero organized an online press briefing to present the key outcomes of the Airfreight readiness survey to the media. It generated a lot of traction on both cargo press and mainstream with coverage from Bloomberg and Reuters spreading the word all over the world.

According to the results of our Airfreight readiness survey, completed by 181 airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers, airport operators and solution providers, there is a strong concern over the current state of air cargo readiness for the upcoming COVID-19 vaccines transportation, with only 28% of the industry feeling well prepared for it today. This is why TIACA and Pharma.Aero call for industry collaboration between pharma and air cargo sectors; more visibility and transparency; investment decisions to upgrade or expend capabilities as early as possible; the support from regulators to speed up the process and remove cumbersome procedures, and the help from international organizations and donors to ensure no country is left behind. 

As part of our next steps with project Sunrays, we are planning to:

  • Continue monitoring the vaccine’s development and open dialogue with manufacturers
  • Issue 2 publications:
    • A White paper with deeper analysis of the findings from engagement with pharma and airfreight sectors (in Q4-2020)
    • A set of guidelines to ensure the proper and safe handling, storage, and transport of COVID-19 vaccines (in Q1-2011)
  • Drive advocacy efforts and call to actions for pharma shippers, airfreight industry and policy makers 
  • Educate the industry through white paper, webinars, and presentations 

Sponsorship opportunities are open for companies to boost their visibility and to contribute to make the event cost neutral for TIACA.  If you are interested, please reach out to Kenneth!

In addition to the joint efforts with Pharma.Aero, we would like to go deeper in the analysis of the airfreight industry preparedness, developing best practices and recommendations, and we are calling for all our Members who wish to contribute to raise their hands. Please send us an email if you wish to be included, or comment on the COVID vaccines community of the Members’ portal 😉