Changi air cargo hub ready for COVID-19 vaccine distribution: officials

A taskforce is set-up to assess the logistical demands of vaccine transportation and distribution.

The Changi Ready Taskforce has announced that the Singapore air cargo hub is ready for the transportation and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

The taskforce, co-led by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and Changi Airport Group (CAG), is a public-private collaboration involving government agencies, cargo handlers, airlines and freight forwarders. There are 18 members across the air cargo community, including the Singapore Airlines.

“The Changi air cargo hub has always placed a strong emphasis on pursuing the highest standards in pharmaceutical cargo handling. Given our efforts in infrastructure upgrades and manpower training over the years, our air cargo hub is well-poised to handle the transportation of COVID-19 vaccines,” CAG managing director for air hub development Lim Ching Kiat said.

To meet the logistical demands of vaccine distribution, the Changi Ready Taskforce has been set up. Their job includes assessing the hub’s ability to handle different types of COVID-19 vaccines, as well as managing an unexpected surge in the volume of vaccines to be transported to the region once approved.

They have also sought to identify and address potential challenges with air transportation of the vaccines through ‘workstreams,’ such capabilities mapping of infrastructure and equipment, data visibility, and process, to ensure safe distribution into Singapore and to the region.