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Delivering the coronavirus vaccine around the world will be “the biggest challenge in transportation history,” according to the aviation industry, the BBC said.
Some 8,000 Boeing 747 “Jumbo Jet” planes would be needed, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said.
The vaccine does not currently exist, but IATA is already working with airlines, airports, health organizations and pharmaceutical companies to develop a comprehensive delivery plan.
This distribution plan is based on the premise that only one dose of vaccine will be needed per person.
“The safe delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine will be the mission of the century for the airline industry. But this will not happen without advance planning, and now is the time to make these plans,” said Alexandre de Juniac. CEO of IATA.
How to transport a vaccine
Although many airlines have focused on cargo deliveries after the sharp drop in passenger numbers, transporting the vaccine is a much more complex operation.
Not all cargo planes are suitable for carrying a vaccine, which requires an ambient temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. Some vaccines may require freezing temperatures, which would exclude even more airplanes.
“We know the procedures, but we need to extend them to the level that will be needed,” said Glyn Hughes, IATA’s head of cargo operations.
Flights to certain areas will be critical, especially since there is not production capacity in all countries.
In addition to transporting the vaccine at low temperatures, safety is another issue. “The vaccines will be valuable goods. Arrangements must be made for safe transportation,” IATA said.
Surrender to Africa, a more difficult mission
Delivery of a vaccine in Africa would be impossible at this time, according to IATA, due to lack of transportation capacity, the size of the continent, and complex border formalities.
The shipments will need “military precision” and a network of refrigeration warehouses will be needed to store the cans.
More than 140 vaccines in development
About 140 vaccines are in the early stages of development and about 24 have been tested in humans. One of them is being developed by the University of Oxford and is in an advanced stage of testing, although these tests were discontinued after one participant fell ill.
Web editor: VM
