12.5.20 - Delta prepares for COVID-19 vaccine shipments
'Delta Air Lines says it is equipped to distribute temperature-sensitive COVID-19 vaccines as it pushes to secure part of the business that will come from the massive shipping effort.'
'Atlanta-based Delta has a 40,000-square-foot cold chain facility at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, which is certified to handle temperature- and time-sensitive pharmaceuticals.'
'Capacity at that facility was, fortuitously, increased last year, according to Rob Walpole, Delta’s new vice president of cargo operations.'
'The federal government has dedicated billions of dollars in funding to the manufacturing and distribution of vaccines. Walpole said he believes “there’s more than enough (business) to go around for the carriers.”'
'“We are planning to commence distribution of vaccines as they become available, in the back half of December and certainly into the first quarter next year,” he said during a briefing Thursday.'