Turkish Cargo's webinar highlights on vaccine transportation, future of cargo

• During the pandemic, Turkish operated 180 weekly flights, 2,900 cargo-only passenger flights and has transported 50,000 tonnes of healthcare and medical products.

February 11, 2021: Turkish Cargo's webinar titled Cargo Talks on February 10 held at Turkish headquarters highlighted the need for digitalisation, vaccine transport, and the future of the industry.

In the opening remarks, chief cargo officer of Turkish Airlines and the head of Turkish Cargo, Turhan zen, said that the IATA sees transport of vaccines as the mission of the century. "We have built additional cold room of 1,200 square metres, increased dry ice limitations and vaccine transportation task force. With this, we have a capability of handling 40 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine in a single day."

He even highlighted the capability of the new facility, SmartIST, at Istanbul.

In the panel discussion, Jaisey Yip, general manager, cargo & logistics development, Changi Airport Group, pointed out that the consumer purchasing behaviour has changed as they prefer more of online shopping. Thus, air cargo sector has shifted from B2B to B2C business now.

Commenting on the balance between demand and supply, Peter Penseel, COO airfreight, Ceva Logistics, observed, "Capacity is still an issue. Now, with the passenger network is back, capacity is returning. Still we are continuing to find capacity at right place at right time."

Other speakers included Zvi Schreiber, CEO, Freightos; Cornelis Paul de Man, senior vice president, cargo sales, Turkish Airlines; Stephane Noll, head of digital engagement and transformation, CHAMP; Ilker Ayci, Turkish Airlines chairman of the board and the executive committee; and among others.

During the pandemic, Turkish operated 180 weekly flights, 2,900 cargo-only passenger flights and has transported 50,000 tonnes of healthcare and medical products.