The entire WFS response is also underpinned by its Quality Management System to oversee specialist processes, management oversight and the delivery of KPIs. Security will be another core feature of the WFS solution, monitored by the company’s global security operations centres, and including features such as restricted access to pharma zones, security fencing, 24/7 CCTV coverage and intrusion alarm systems.
Mike Duffy said: “The world is waiting for a COVID vaccine to save lives and to support economic recovery. Over half of global vaccine doses are expected to be transported by air cargo because of its speed and reliability, dictated by global demand and the absence of local production facilities in some countries. We are part of an industry-wide solution which is mapping where vaccines are being produced to ensure rapid global vaccine trade flows. We will use all the capabilities we have to deliver and support a consistent and reliable end-to-end handling solution.”
The transportation of COVID vaccines is expected to commence by the end of 2020, reach its peak in the second half of 2021, and continue into 2022. Countries and trading blocs have already ordered over 5 billion doses and, already, some 65,000 tonnes of vaccine are forecast to require air cargo transportation, plus ancillary hardware and PPE which will be needed to administer it.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some 140 COVID-19 vaccines are in the initial stages of development globally, with around two dozen being tested on people in clinical trials. In accordance with demand, WFS will also ensure the preparedness of other key stations across its network spanning 175 airports in 20 countries in Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific and Africa.
