Singapore Airlines helps deliver Australia's first batch of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine

Singapore Airlines delivered the first batch of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to Australia today, having transported the valuable cargo from Belgium, via its Singapore hub. Delivery of the highly anticipated vaccine arrived in Sydney onboard a Singapore Airlines flight, having begun its journey in Brussels around 40 hours earlier. Together with DHL Global Forwarding, Singapore Airlines ensured the precious cargo was given priority loading. The vaccines were also monitored throughout their journey, including during their transit in Singapore, to ensure there were no disruptions to the cold chain requirements. Singapore Airlines Regional Vice President South West Pacific, Mr Philip Goh, welcomed the delivery noting it was another proud first for Singapore Airlines in Australia. "For more than 53 years we have connected Australia to the world and throughout that period we have celebrated many firsts, but none more important, or proud as this one," Mr Goh said. "Delivery of Australia's first batch of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine marks a significant point in Australia's, and the world's, fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. "The successful delivery of the vaccine from Belgium to Australia, a journey that has taken around 40 hours, further demonstrates SIA's and the Singapore air hub's ability to safely, efficiently and effectively undertake the very important job of transporting and distributing COVID-19 vaccines internationally. "I want to acknowledge all of the parties involved, particularly DHL Global Forwarding, in this challenging project and congratulate the entire team on the successful first delivery, which we hope sets the stage for many more to follow." In December, Singapore Airlines delivered the first shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines to Singapore, which was also the first Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine shipment to be delivered to a country in Asia. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020, Singapore Airlines has remained committed to keeping Australia connected through the ongoing operation of cargo-only flights. SIA has also continued to increase passenger and cargo capacity to the Australian market over the course of the past 12 months, helping stranded Australians return home, ensure PPE, COVID-19 test kits and other essential pharmaceuticals and medical equipment could be imported and support the export of Aussie producer's world famous products to the world. Between March 2020 and December 2020, Singapore Airlines carried more than 60,000 tonnes of cargo into Australia, including more than 2,200 tonnes of PPE, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and COVID-19 test kits. During the same period the airline has carried more than 45,000 tonnes of cargo to its global network, including more than 10,000 tonnes of Australia's famous meat and fresh seafood.