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Frankfurt is ready for the vaccine rush, says Lufthansa

[ August 26, 2020   //   ]

Lufthansa Cargo says that it is well prepared for handling a possible corona vaccine.

With Frankfurt airport handling some 120,000 tonnes of vaccines, medications and other pharmaceutical products in 2019, the gateway was the European leader in the sector.

It added that two thirds of the 12,000sq m of temperature-controlled handling capacity with direct apron access were located in the its Cargo Pharma Hub and that an additional 2,000sq m of space in outlying areas  are about to go into operation.

Fraport has been meeting the CEIV Pharma requirements since 2018, as have 11 other service companies operating in Frankfurt, while freight forwarders and airlines meet the EU GDP standard, said the airline, making 75% of transport routes at the airport certified. In addition, Fraport currently uses 20 ultra-modern thermal transporters maintain goods temperature across the apron.

Fraport’s Max Conrady commented: “Frankfurt Airport offers the ideal conditions for handling pharmaceutical goods. We are closely monitoring the current research for a corona vaccine. When the time comes, we will provide the best possible support together with our partners in the distribution of vaccines and medicines. Already during the handling of urgently needed protective equipment and vital pharmaceutical goods at the beginning of the year, we showed that we, as a cargo community, make an essential contribution to supplying the population”.

Lufthansa Cargo adds that all its 31 pharmaceutical stations worldwide will be CEIV Pharma-certified by the end of 2021. Director of Handling Specials, Jörg Bodenröder, said: “The last few months have clearly shown us how important well-functioning supply chains are, especially in times of crisis. When it comes to transporting a vaccine against the corona virus, Lufthansa Cargo will also do everything it can to enable fast distribution by air. As one of the first airfreight carriers to focus on the transport of temperature-sensitive goods, Lufthansa Cargo can draw on many years of experience in the transport of pharmaceuticals.”

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