Air Canada has inaugurated its $16 million cold chain handling facility at its Toronto Pearson International Airport, expanding and enhancing capabilities for pharmaceuticals, fresh food and other perishables.
The upgraded facility features over 30,000sq ft (2,787sq m) of temperature-controlled areas and an expanded cooler to fully meet the requirements of cold chain shipments, including pharmaceuticals. These enhancements are the first step in a multi-year investment plan for the facility and are part of several planned infrastructure investment projects for Air Canada Cargo.
The extended cooler can accommodate more unit load devices (ULD) and loose shipments with +2°C to +8°C and +15°C to +25°C temperature requirements, provides additional racking and an upgraded dedicated area for active temperature control units.
The renovations also include installation of energy efficient equipment such as temperature controllers that constantly monitor the conditions inside the facility and only regulate the temperature as needed, so reducing energy consumption. Rapid roll-up doors have also been installed to minimize energy loss when the cooler is accessed. LED lighting has been installed throughout the facility.
Air Canada vice president, cargo, Jason Berry, said: “This is an exciting day for Air Canada Cargo as we take another step forward in our evolution. The enhanced temperature-controlled facility is the only one of its kind for a Canadian airline and positions Air Canada Cargo to continue successfully growing our business, including the launch of our dedicated freighter aircraft. This investment, and the others that are to follow, will allow us to better serve our customers and I am very excited for what the future holds for Air Canada Cargo.”