8,000 cargo jets needed to transport Covid-19 vaccines around the world, says IATA

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), providing a single dose each of Covid-19 vaccine to 7.8 billion people around the world will require the use of around 8,000 Boeing 747 cargo aircraft -- and planning needs to begin now.

"Safely delivering Covid-19 vaccines will be the mission of the century for the global air cargo industry," reports CNN quoting a statement by IATA's director general and CEO, Alexandre de Juniac.

"We urge governments to take the lead in facilitating cooperation across the logistics chain so that the facilities, security arrangements and border processes are ready for the mammoth and complex task ahead," the statement reads.

The air cargo industry has long played an important role in vaccine distribution, providing well-established time- and temperature-sensitive systems -- which will be crucial to the quick and efficient transport of Covid-19 vaccines, notes IATA.

Once a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 is approved for use, licensing and large-scale manufacturing will take place. But without proper planning, these vaccines won't be able to take to the skies and reach their destinations.

Among the major concerns cited by IATA in the statement is the availability of temperature-controlled facilities and equipment, along with trained staff. Robust monitoring capabilities will need to be in place too.

The current border restrictions will need to be eased as well. Permits for operators carrying the vaccine will need to be fast-tracked, and the flight crew members exempted from quarantine requirements to ensure cargo supply chains are maintained, says IATA.

IATA also expressed concern about security, noting that vaccines will be highly valuable commodities. Shipments will need to be secured and protected from tampering and theft.

IATA also acknowledged that land transport will also play an important role in vaccine distribution -- especially in developed economies with local manufacturing capacity.

"But vaccines cannot be delivered globally without the significant use of air cargo," Juniac observed.