Etihad Cargo to Develop Sustainable Cold Chain with B Medical Systems

Etihad Cargo became the first airline globally to develop sustainable transportation of pharmaceuticals

Sustainable, temperature-controlled container units for the transportation of life-saving drugs, vaccines, and high-value pharmaceuticals will be developed by Etihad Cargo in partnership with B Medical System.

The MOU, concluded during the BIO International Convention in San Diego, from June 13-16, 2022, involves the construction of container units able to retain temperatures from -80 to 25 degrees Celsius for up to five days and no external power source is needed.

Through the reduction in power needed to maintain the temperature for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments, these containers will significantly reduce carbon emissions.

Martin Drew, Etihad Aviation Group's Senior Vice President – Sales & Cargo, said in this regard: "While the aviation sector only accounts for 4% of global carbon emissions today, if the sector continues to grow at its current pace, it could account for up to 25% of emissions by 2050.

"This is why it is so important for the sector to invest in more sustainable solutions for its customers. Partnering with B Medical Systems is the latest step by Etihad Cargo to achieve its sustainability targets."

Trials of the sustainable container units will start shortly, followed by the announcement of the commercial launch date.

Etihad Cargo is also attending the BIO International Convention as part of the Abu Dhabi delegation headed by H.E. Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health that will visit the USA to explore prospects for collaboration within the healthcare sector.

Since its establishment in 2004, Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of the Etihad Aviation Group, has grown rapidly to become one of the leading air cargo carriers in the world and for a long time now, committed to achieving sustainability targets.

Mr Jesal Doshi, Deputy CEO of B Medical Systems, said: "Etihad Cargo's operational knowledge along with our expertise in creating quality medical cold chain solutions will enable us to develop aviation-specific sustainable units for the safe, and environmentally friendly transportation of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and specimens."