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Cathay Pacific Cargo and Sonoco ThermoSafe, a leading global provider of temperature assurance packaging, today announced a partnership agreement for the leasing of the PharmaPort 360 temperature-controlled bulk shipping container.
The agreement enables pharmaceutical shippers to lease PharmaPort 360 containers directly from Cathay Pacific Cargo, the first Hong Kong airline to be awarded IATA CEIV Pharma Certification, boosting the carrier's Pharma LIFT capabilities and providing its customers worldwide with a leading hybrid option for moving time-sensitive, high-value medications by air.
Cathay Pacific General Manager Cargo Service Delivery Frosti Lau said: "Sonoco's reputation for quality perfectly aligns with our own high standards for service delivery. We are delighted to have this unique and world's-first partnership with Sonoco ThermoSafe, and we are confident this collaboration will provide our customers with a consistent solution for the transportation of vital and life-saving pharmaceutical products."
The PharmaPort 360 utilises proprietary hybrid technology to ensure extremely precise +5C temperature control. Once charged, the PharmaPort functions like an active temperature controlled container without the energy consumption, or heat discharge of other compressor-based technologies.
The PharmaPort's hybrid technology allows it to operate on battery power substantially longer than competing active units used for bulk air shipments, and it also eliminates the need for refrigerated trucks for lengthy truck lanes. Additionally, it contains a fully integrated, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved telemetry system, providing real-time, cloud-based data on payload and ambient temperature, precisely synchronised with GPS location.
Vishal Khushalani, Director of Global Marketing & Business Development for Sonoco Protective Solutions, said: "The PharmaPort 360 provides best-in-class active temperature control, while utilizing a hybrid technology that maintains strict +5°C control while providing real-time temperature and location visibility across the supply chain. The container is also easy to use and is versatile across transportation modes.
"By taking the extra time to build in the integrated telemetry, we were focused on providing advanced visibility to eliminate any opportunity for product loss. Everyone using the PharmaPort's data services can view each container's internal and external temperature and location at any time, and the transportation supply chain can respond effectively to any challenges that arise."
About Cathay Pacific
The Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Group offers scheduled passenger and cargo services to over 200 destinations in Asia, North America, Australia, Europe and Africa, using a fleet of close to 200 aircraft. Cathay Pacific is one of the world's biggest international air cargo carriers and, in addition to operating a dedicated freighter fleet to 46 destinations, manages cargo capacity on passenger flights operated by both Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon. The airline's cargo business comprises a fleet of 20 Boeing 747 freighters, including 14 747-8 freighters and six 747-400ERFs (Extended Range Freighter).
For more information visit www.cathaypacific.com
About Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal
The HK$5.9 billion Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is one of the biggest and most sophisticated terminals in the world, providing air cargo handling capacity and facilities that help further reinforce Hong Kong's position as the world's premier international airfreight hub.
The terminal sets new standards in operational efficiency, environmental design and service level and is designed for an annual air cargo throughput capacity of 2.6 million tones. It is a common-use facility open to all airline customers.
For more information visit www.cathaypacificcargo.com
About Sonoco ThermoSafe
Sonoco ThermoSafe, a unit of Sonoco is a leading global provider of temperature assurance packaging for the safe and efficient transport of pharmaceuticals, biologics, vaccines and other temperature-sensitive products.
Sonoco ThermoSafe shipping solutions mitigate risk for customers and ensure product efficacy throughout the extremes of a supply chain. With operations in Americas, Europe and Asia, Sonoco ThermoSafe has a vast product offering featuring industry-leading technology that encompasses refrigerated, frozen or controlled room temperature applications. In addition, Sonoco ThermoSafe's ISC Labs® deliver individualized design and testing services and innovative packaging solutions along with qualification and validation services to meet all regulatory requirements.
More information can be found at www.thermosafe.com
About Sonoco
Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a global provider of a variety of consumer packaging, industrial products, protective packaging and display and packaging supply chain services. With annualized net sales of approximately $4.8 billion, the Company has 20,000 employees working in more than 300 facilities in 33 countries, serving many of the world's best known brands in some 85 nations.
In January 2018, Sonoco was again selected to the prestigious list of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies, ranking first in the Packaging category. Among its industry peers, Sonoco ranked first in nearly every single area - including Innovation, Use of Corporate Assets, Social Responsibility, Financial Soundness, Long-term Investment Value, Quality of Products/Services and Global Competitiveness.
More information can be found at www.sonoco.com