Delta recently shipped its 4 millionth COVID-19 vaccine dose from the U.S. to Colombia. As a part of the critical supply chain, Delta is supporting global efforts to end the pandemic and reconnect the world.

“I was born in Colombia but have lived in the U.S. for sixteen years, and my parents live in Bogota, so these shipments are incredibly important for me,” said Marcela Friedrich, Regional Field Operations Manager, Delta Cargo. “I feel that I am part of the solution and that I am helping to get my native country, and its economy, back to a new normal.”

Once the vaccines arrive in Bogota, Delta Cargo works with a freight company to ensure they are safely delivered where they are needed most, said Carolina Vernanza, Delta’s Airport and Cargo Manager in Bogota.

“With over 50 million people living in Colombia, the arrival of 4 million COVID-19 vaccines is a major boost and will really help Colombians to get closer to the country’s vaccination goals.”

Delta’s extensive domestic and global network combined with the airline’s proven ability to safely and effectively transport COVID-19 vaccines, supported by its unique Vaccine Watch Tower, mean that the airline has been playing an important role in the distribution of the vaccines.

“These vaccine shipments to Latin America are part of our continued focus on the safe and reliable transportation of these critical vaccines throughout the U.S. and internationally,” said Rob Walpole, Vice President-Delta Cargo. “We believe in the importance of vaccinations to save lives, and every person we help to get vaccinated is a potential life saved.”

Building experience in shipping vaccines involves years of creating an operation validated against pharmaceutical industry standards. At Delta, it also means being the first U.S. passenger airline to receive IATA’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators Pharma Logistics Certification (CEIV) at its Atlanta hub and headquarters. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, Delta has offered tailored pharmaceutical shipping options that meet specific temperature requirements for vaccines to ensure integrity through the entire journey.

Delta’s broad and nimble global distribution network is enhanced through close coordination with airline partners including Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, Virgin Atlantic Cargo, Korean Air Cargo and Aeromexico Cargo – as well as SkyTeam Cargo partners. Together, they provide worldwide reach with stop-gap reliability and greater ability to warehouse and ship vaccines from more global hubs.