United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
United Airlines starts shipping Covid-19 vaccine
United Airlines has started transporting the first vaccine shipments to the US.
The Pfizer- BioNTech vaccine candidate still hasn’t been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, although it is allowed to be stockpiled ahead of an approval.
Pfizer has applied for emergency use authorization under the government’s expedited ‘Operation Warp Speed’ program
According to a unnamed member of the United Airlines Covid Vaccine Readiness Task Team, charter flights are shipping the vaccine out of a production facility in Belgium to the US.
It started the flights last Friday, The Wall Street Journal reported.
The airline hasn’t officially confirmed the flights but said it ‘supports a vaccine distribution effort on a global scale.’
The FAA seemed to confirm it by saying it is ‘supporting the first mass air shipment of a vaccine.’
The FAA has permitted United to carry 15,000 pounds of dry ice per flight which is five times more than is normally allowed.
This is because the vaccine needs to be stored in extremely cold temperatures of minus 70 degrees Celsius.
A mass inoculation program is likely to roll out in late December.
"This will be the largest and most complex logistical exercise ever. The world is counting on us," Alexandre de Juniac, IATA chief, said of the role airlines will play in getting the vaccines to every corner of the world.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Exploring Brooklands Museum with Alex Patterson
Global Tourism Challenges and Upcoming Events: A Conversation with Don Welsh
Peebles Barbeque: A Legacy of Flavor and Tradition
Exploring Bok Tower Gardens with Erica Smith
Rue’s Living Water Boat Cruises: Exploring Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes
Durango and Silverton Railroad: A Timeless Journey Through History and Scenic Beauty
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
Royal Caribbean issues Legionnaires’ disease warning
Qatar Airways adding Manchester flights
Jet2 unveils Samos as new Greek destination for summer 2026
EU entry-exit system delayed again
ATC strike in Greece could disrupt flights this week