Etihad Cargo has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with B Medical Systems. The MOU, which was announced during the BIO International Convention, will see Etihad Cargo partner with B Medical Systems to develop and launch an airline-specific passive temperature-controlled solution for the transportation of life-saving drugs, vaccines and high-value pharmaceuticals.

Martin Drew, Etihad Aviation Group's Senior Vice President – Sales & Cargo, said, "While other traditional active container providers are offering containers fit for multi-modal transportation, Etihad Cargo is the first airline globally to collaborate with a partner in the development and launch of units specifically tailored to air transportation.

"Sustainability has been and continues to be a priority for Etihad Cargo," Drew continued. "While the aviation sector only accounts for 4 per cent of global carbon emission today, if the sector continues to grow at its current pace, it could account for up to 25 per cent of emissions by 2050. This is why it is so important for the sector to invest in more sustainable solutions for its customers. Partnering with B Medical Systems is the latest step by Etihad Cargo to achieve its sustainability targets. By replacing legacy active cold chain air transportation containers with aviation-specific units that consume less energy, Etihad Cargo is future-proofing the transportation of pharmaceuticals, providing a better solution for Etihad Cargo's customers, the aviation industry and the environment."

Mr. Jesal Doshi, Deputy CEO of B Medical Systems, said, "Our mission at B Medical Systems is to create technology that helps save lives across the world. Transportation of temperature-sensitive specimens needs a robust cold chain. Etihad Cargo's operational knowledge along with our expertise in creating quality medical cold chain solutions will enable us to develop aviation-specific sustainable units for the safe, effective, and environmentally friendly transportation of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and specimens."

Trials of the sustainable container units will commence shortly, and a commercial launch date will be announced following the successful completion of the trials.