Alibaba & Ethiopian Airlines Launch Vaccine Cold Chain Export

China has committed to distributing its COVID-19 vaccines to nations around the globe, with a particular focus on countries maintaining strong relationships with China. Although the nation isn’t currently positioned to begin international vaccine shipments, preparations are underway to establish the necessary infrastructure for large-scale distribution.

This week, Cainiao, the logistics division of Alibaba, revealed a new collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines to create a specialized cold chain for the transportation of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals from China to international destinations. These air shipments will originate from Shenzhen Airport, which Alibaba identifies as the location of China’s pioneering cross-border medical cold chain hub, and will operate twice weekly through connecting points in Dubai and Addis Ababa.

According to a Cainiao representative who spoke with TechCrunch, “We will possess the ability to transport the vaccines as soon as they become available.”

SF Express, another significant logistics provider in China, is also actively developing solutions for the storage and shipment of vaccines, with its primary operations based in Shenzhen.

Cainiao is managing the transportation route, extending its reach to over 200 countries and regions. The company is accredited by the International Air Transport Association to handle the transport of COVID-19 vaccines, which require consistent storage at very low temperatures. Aircraft will be equipped with temperature monitoring systems, and the Ethiopian cargo terminal offers adaptable temperature control ranging from -23°C to 25°C, or -9.4°F to 77°F.

James Zhao, general manager of Cainiao’s international supply chain division, stated, “The introduction of this cold chain air freight service significantly enhances our worldwide logistics capabilities, enabling us to provide a comprehensive solution for the global distribution of medical supplies, including COVID-19 vaccines.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, China has been a leading exporter of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the country’s major logistics companies, including Cainiao and SF Express, quickly implemented dedicated programs for the shipment of medical aid.