American Airlines delivers 3 million vaccines as part of COVID-19 relief operations

Following the White House’s decision to donate at least 80 million COVID-19 vaccines globally, American Airlines delivered 3 million doses to Guatemala. This delivery brings up the total doses moved by the airlines to 4.5 million. American Airlines Vaccination Program would help to fasten the vaccination program globally.

In a bid to tackle the deadly coronavirus, the United States of America pledged at least 80 million doses, deliverables this summer. American Airlines has played a pivotal role in transporting said doses to different countries around the globe. The most recent batch of 3 million doses was shipped on a non-stop cargo flight from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala City.

American Airlines Vaccination Program

The delivery follows an earlier shipment of 1.5 million doses at the start of the month. Robert Isom, President of American Airlines, said that the airline shared the US government’s commitment to bring an end to the pandemic that has ravaged the world for more than a year now. “Whether it is keeping the economy moving by adding cargo-only flights during the height of the pandemic or providing essential air travel for those who needed it, our team has remained ready to rise to any challenge. We are proud to be part of this life-saving effort to get the vaccine to the Guatemalan people,” he added.

America’s Cargo team ensured a seamless operation by cooperating closely with the White House COVID-19 task force, pharmaceutical agencies, and logistic specialists. The vaccines were transported from a distribution center in Kentucky to American’s cargo terminal in ORD, where they were then loaded into a Boeing 777-300 for the trip to Guatemala.

American Airlines took on its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines in December 2020. Since then, it has conducted over 9,400 cargo flights carrying vaccines, pharmaceuticals, critical medical supplies, and even perishable items for COVID relief efforts. Its specialized facilities and climate-controlled shipping solutions allow for the handling of crucial flight operations to over 150 cities in 46 countries.

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