AIR services provider dnata has added four high-tech ‘cool dollies’ to its Australian cargo fleet, becoming the first such provider to offer a fully integrated, temperature-controlled cool chain for pharma and perishable shipments.
Offering a closed, temperature-controlled system, the specialised containers will ensure safe and seamless delivery of temperature-sensitive goods, including pharmaceuticals and vaccines, between aircraft and dnata’s cargo facilities.
dnata will operate two cool dollies each at Sydney and Melbourne Airports.
Dirk Goovaerts, dnata’s regional CEO for Asia Pacific, said, “We are thrilled to be the first cargo handler in Australia to launch advanced cool dollies in our operations.
“Our latest investment underlines our commitment to ensuring reliable and safe end-to-end transportation of pharmaceutical products across the supply chain.”
Vanessa Orth, chief commercial officer, Sydney Airport, said, “We applaud dnata for their investment in the resilience of Australia’s pharmaceutical supply chain, an investment which will ensure Sydney Airport continues to play its central role in the nation’s air cargo network”.
Shane O’Hare, chief of aviation at Melbourne Airport, said, “We congratulate dnata for investing in cool dolly services, which will enable greater movement of temperature-sensitive goods around Australia.
“The product will certainly add to dnata’s existing cargo capability at Melbourne Airport which is the leading domestic and 24/7 international freight hub in Australia.”
dnata’s new cool dollies will provide temperature-controlled storage from -25°C up to +25°C. They have a closed structure with alarms on opening and closing, as well as alerts if temperatures fluctuate above acceptable ranges. The units are also hygienic and easy to clean, which is an important consideration for pharma cargo.
In 2020, dnata’s Melbourne and Sydney facilities processed some 22,000 and 43,000 tonnes of temperature-sensitive pharma and perishable goods, respectively.
