Cathay Pacific, va-Q-tec signs global rental pact to transport life-saving drugs

March 20, 2018: Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Cargo, recently entered into a new partnership with va-Q-tec, to provide its global customers with a unique temperature controlled transportation of life-saving pharmaceuticals by air.

va-Q-tec’s advanced passive thermal containers, which is designed to maintain constant temperature during transportation for more than five days, will be a strong addition into Cathay Pacific Cargo’s Pharma LIFT portfolio.

Cathay Pacific Cargo is the first Hong Kong-based airline to receive IATA CEIV Pharma Certification for consistently transporting high-value, time-sensitive and temperature-controlled pharmaceutical products, with speed, consistency and efficiency.

Frosti Lau, general manager cargo service delivery, Cathay Pacific said: “We are delighted to partner with va-Q-tec, which will offer an innovative passive solution directly to our customers. The advanced passive thermal containers has the ability to offer steady temperature-controlled conditions for several days, without any external energy sources. Coupled with our extensive network, we are confident that the advanced passive thermal containers will benefit our customers across the globe.”

Anand Yedery, general manager cargo-South Asia, Middle East & Africa, Cathay Pacific said: “From air freight point of view, India is a big passive pharmaceutical market. The partnership with va-Q-tec will strengthen our Pharma Lift product further, and provide our customers a range of options to transport their temperature sensitive pharmaceutical shipments.”

In Sook Yoo, head of business development Asia, va-Q-tec said: “The pharmaceutical market is growing rapidly worldwide. Thanks to the new collaboration, innumerable customers can lease va-Q-tec's reliable containers directly from Cathay Pacific Cargo.”

The thermal containers are available in five different sizes, which can take up to two US pallets inside, and offers six different temperature ranges, from -60 to +25 degree Celsius. It guarantees safe temperature-controlled transportation for the pharmaceutical, healthcare and medical sectors.

Will Staddon, global partner manager, va-Q-tec UK said: “We are delighted to be working with a strong partner like Cathay Pacific Cargo to make a major contribution towards the temperature-controlled logistics market. Cathay’s ambition to provide a quality-driven service matches our objective, and this partnership signifies our continued growth in key pharma regions.”

“va-Q-tec is expanding across the globe, and is also significantly strengthening its presence in Asia Pacific,” said Staddon.