IAG Cargo to lease phase-change Va-Q-tec containers

In its continuing quest for more valuable cool-chain business, IAG Cargo signed a global container rental agreement today with high-tech insulation provider, Va-Q-tec, for six climate-controlled containers that can handle temperatures ranging from -70°C to +25°C in five sizes. These “Va-Q-tainers” use phase-change materials that, when placed in certain environments, allow the interior coolant to be re-charged.

As carriers angle for their share of the valuable pharma market, attracting customers is contingent on reliability and the ability to monitor shipments, which, in turn, has increased the sophistication of pallets and ULDs. “Pharma shippers require a reliable door-to-door, temperature-controlled solution that meets challenging requirements for global health care flows,” said Dominic Hyde, managing director at Va-Q-tec.

Because of their use of phase-change meterials, Va-Q-tainers do not require electrical input and don’t need the same level of moderation as active shipments do throughout their journey. Yet the containers still provide controlled shipping for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical and biotechnological products, the company said.

“This agreement offers our customers wanting to ship temperature-sensitive goods an excellent and cost-efficient solution,” said Alan Dorling, global head of pharmaceuticals and life sciences at IAG Cargo. “With consistent year-on-year growth in Constant Climate shipments, we are continually investing in innovative customer solutions that match our own high standards.”

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