Emirates SkyCargo keeps cargo cool

It is a low-cost, light weight, breathable and reusable protective 'White Cover' designed to shield these shipments from heat during door to door transport.

With its hub in the hot climes of the Middle East, Emirates SkyCargo has always had to pay special attention to its temperature sensitive traffic. It has made continual improvements to its Cool Chain processes and infrastructure including the door to door use of temperature controlled containers; the introduction of Cool Dollies (aluminium insulated containers on steel trailers) to protect perishable cargo during ramp handling at its Dubai hub; dedicated handling teams; and a major investment into 7,000 square metre refrigerated area in the new Cargo Mega Terminal. The 'White Cover' is another innovative addition, although at a fraction of cost.

Emirates SkyCargo, together with perishables and pharmaceutical shippers trading throughout its worldwide network, is conducting a pilot programme during the northern hemisphere's hot summer months.

"This is the first time this unique type of protection which completely encloses the shipment has been used for the air freight of temperature sensitive goods," said Therese Puetz, Manager Cargo Business Development & Projects.

A patent for the 'White Cover' application is pending.

One of the 'White Cover's' distinct properties is its breathability - it resists air and water penetration while enabling trapped moisture to escape - making it ideal for 'living' food and flower products, while its low cost has made it popular with shippers of pharmaceuticals, especially room temperature pharmaceuticals.

"It works on the principle of solar radiation and offers significant thermal protection" explained Ms Puetz. "It also allows cooling of the shipment during transport and cold storage operations."

As well as being environmentally friendly - the cover is 100 per cent recyclable - its application is straightforward, taking two people a maximum of eight minutes for application on a pallet.

Feedback from customers involved in the pilot programme has been very positive, with the fact that it weighs no more than 3kg proving a strong selling point. The White Cover is available in two pallet sizes: PLA, which weighs 2kg, and PMC, which is 3kg. It is around one tenth of the weight of other insulated covers available in the market today, making the additional shipping cost negligible.

The 'White Cover' is for the exclusive use on Emirates SkyCargo flights.