Korean Air Signs MOU with UNICEF for COVID-19 Vaccine Transportation

Korean Air unloading a specially designed container containing a COVID-19 vaccine model from an aircraft during a joint civil, government, military, and police simulation exercise for COVID-19 vaccine distribution on the 3rd.

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Korean Air announced on the 16th that it has signed a mutual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with UNICEF for the global transportation of COVID-19 vaccines and medical supplies.

UNICEF is an international relief organization under the United Nations (UN) established in 1946 to help children worldwide, and it also serves as the world's largest pharmaceutical distribution agency. Accordingly, over the past 20 years, it has procured and distributed more than 2 billion vaccines annually, along with various medicines and medical supplies worldwide.

UNICEF is responsible for the global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines through the international project for joint vaccine procurement called the 'COVAX Facility,' and plans to ensure equitable vaccine supply to 145 countries during the first half of the year.

To transport the COVID-19 vaccine doses secured by the COVAX Facility worldwide, cooperation from airlines with global supply chains, capabilities, and expertise is essential. Accordingly, UNICEF selected 16 airlines worldwide, including Korean Air, as dedicated COVID-19 vaccine transport carriers based on strict criteria such as global network, cargo supply capacity, and specialized pharmaceutical transportation capabilities.

Since September last year, Korean Air has been operating a dedicated COVID-19 vaccine task force team and has been steadily preparing for flawless vaccine transportation. In particular, considering that transportation conditions vary by vaccine manufacturer?such as ultra-low temperatures below -60°C, freezing below -20°C, and refrigeration between 2 to 8°C?Korean Air has strengthened its cold chain and enhanced facilities and equipment to provide various temperature-customized services.

Earlier, on the 3rd, Korean Air successfully conducted joint simulation training for COVID-19 vaccine transportation under the observation of President Moon Jae-in, preparing to respond to various situations.

Korean Air stated, "With the signing of this MOU with UNICEF, we will play a leading role as a global airline in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and actively participate in the transportation of humanitarian medicines and relief supplies in the future."