Earlier this week China Airlines approved the usage of Releye RLP containers on its aircraft, which means more capacity to meet the demand for air transport of temperature-controlled cargo like test kits and vaccines.

The Taipei-based carrier can now offer the new Envirotainer product across its network of over 115 airports as another option for its growing premium pharma service. The new product is ideal for shipments that require the strictest temperature control active containers.

Bryan Tao, general manager of cargo sales management, thinks the new temperature-controlled container will set a new standard for secure cold chain transport at a time when the biopharma industry is looking for ‘groundbreaking’ solutions.

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“The Releye container is a LD11-sized unit with a unique air flow technology for maximum temperature stability in the cargo bay,” Envirotainer explained.

“The RLP-size fits 3-euro pallets (or 2-US pallets) and fills a strategic gap between the larger RAP-size and the smaller RKN-size allowing for increased efficiency by mixing and matching sizes based on shipment volume.”

It also uses rechargeable batteries to power its electric heating and compressor cooling system, which can power its system for over 170 hours on a single charge.

The new Envirotainer product has been buzzing as of late, with Cathay Pacific becoming the first airline in Asia Pacific to add to its portfolio of cool containers. Other carriers that have approved the new pharma solution earlier this month include Qatar Airways, Emirates and United.