Cebu Pacific transports first COVID vaccine shipment to Zamboanga and Tuguegarao

The Philippines’ leading carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) carried COVID vaccines to Zamboanga and Tuguegarao today, March 05, 2021. The vaccines are the first to be received by said local destinations.

The vaccines arrived at the CEB Cargo warehouse at around 10:30PM on March 04, Thursday. After its standard screening protocols, all 35 boxes (17 for Zamboanga, 18 for Tuguegarao) were stored in a 20-footer refrigerated carrier reefer van, equipped with cooling systems, to preserve the condition of the vaccines. A total of 21,000 doses were carried by CebGo, the operator of Cebu Pacific’s turboprop fleet.

Upon arrival in Zamboanga this morning, the vaccines were turned over to the local government for proper handling, in preparation for distribution to medical facilities. The shipment for Tuguegarao is estimated to arrive by 3PM this afternoon, to be followed by similar releasing procedures.

“We are happy to support the rollout of the government’s vaccination program. As a public service with the widest domestic network, we will do all we can to help ensure the timely and successful distribution of vaccines across the country, as we all work together to pave way for the recovery of our economy,” said Alex Reyes, President and CEO of Cebgo.

CEB currently has two ATR freighters in its 73-strong fleet, allowing it to boost inter-island connectivity by flying to and from domestic destinations with shorter runways. It also recently converted one of its A330s into a freighter, enabling it to carry more cargo in its cabin on long-range flights.