Read how AAI ensuring safe delivery of vaccines, oxygen and essentials across the country

New Delhi: Amid the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Airports Authority of India (AAI)  in collaboration with its subsidiary AAI Cargo Logistics & Allied Services Company Ltd (AAICLAS) is playing a key role in facilitating the rapid and safe delivery of large volumes of doses of vaccines, oxygen containers and other medical equipment needed for the hospitals and towards the vaccination campaigns across the country.

AAI Airports Cargo terminals have become an important hub for the storage, processing and transportation of vaccines and other essentials. Approximately 95 million dosages of vaccines have been handled till now while taking utmost precautions through AAI Airports. Along with AAICLAS, Standard Operating Procedures were made in consultation with The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) for safe delivery of vaccines through airports across the country.

Jointly working with airlines, various state administrations and other stakeholders AAI Airports are ensuring that there is no time wasted in the unloading of these vaccine consignments and they are handed over to State Health Department in the shortest possible time to maintain the cold chain. The average delivery time is between 3 to 20 minutes and all arrangements are in place for immediate clearance on priority and delivery to the respective department. This so that the Cold Chain that is vital for the safe delivery of the vaccines are maintained. So far, the vaccines consignments weighing approximately 2,81,000 Kgs have been transported across 40 airports through more than 400 flights by seven domestic airlines. An Operations Control Centre (OCC) has been set up at the AAICLAS CHQ in Delhi where the movement control of the vaccines is coordinated.

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The shipments of Oxygen cylinders transported by IAF are also being facilitated by AAI Airports, ensuring smooth and quick delivery to the consignee with efficient terminal operations. Oximeters & Oxygen concentrators were dispatched to different locations across the country through AAI`s Kolkata and Chennai Airport.

Apart from this, AAI airports spread across the country are taking part in the nationwide vaccination drive by organising vaccination camps for all the frontline workers and stakeholders working at the airport including airlines, and ground handling agencies.

While our nation is fighting against the alarming COVID-19 surge, AAI continues to be at the forefront during these tough times. As the nation strives to achieve a COVID free environment, AAI's airports are working diligently towards ensuring a safe and secure travel experience with strict compliance of necessary protocols.

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