Expertise in moving goods around the world, in-depth knowledge of local regulations, customs requirements, and environmental conditions that help determine the right distribution route, ensuring that each shipment is delivered in a safe and timely manner, are a given in any logistics operation. This expertise and knowledge, however, becomes critical during a pandemic. The airfreight industry continues to play a leading role in fighting the Covid pandemic. Freight News Features editor Liesl Venter spoke to James R Muhs, regional president, FedEx Express, Middle East, Indian subcontinent and Africa (MEISA) about the current situation. FN:Airlines were hit hard by Covid-19, yet the transportation of millions of vaccines hinges on the air cargo sector. How do you see this playing out?JM: This is a complex logistical effort. Air transportation will play a crucial role, as vaccines at present are coming largely from central manufacturing locations and need time-definite express transportation to be moved to communities in need throughout the world. At FedEx Express we have an integrated air and ground network, utilising more than 200 000 motorised vehicles and more than 680 aircraft to deliver temperature-sensitive, time-definite shipments like active pharmaceutical ingredients, medical supplies and Covid-19 vaccines. FN:What are the biggest challenges facing an express service provider at this stage in terms of air transport?JM: The rules are constantly shifting, which requires constant adjustment of crew and aircraft deployment, sometimes while crew are en route to their destination. We are committed and support the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (Icao) efforts to develop uniform entry and screening requirements for airline personnel.At the same time, we also need to make sure that critical supplies get to where they need to be as soon as possible. FN:What do you expect the biggest air-related challenges to be in the distribution of vaccines?JM: No two days are the same any more. We focus on planning for the things we can control, while also being prepared to respond to those we cannot – like weather and traffic delays. You cannot run an operation like ours without significant contingency planning, and f lexibility is also critical – we have shown this throughout the pandemic.Technologies like SenseAware allow us to monitor shipments in near real time and intercede in the event of unforeseen challenges.FN:Any other thoughts you would like to share?JM: Vaccine distribution and allocation have their challenges, so supply chains must be able to adapt quickly. To address these challenges, it is essential that healthcare companies partner with logistics experts that have the experience, network, and technology solutions.
