Silkway West Airlines and Envirotainer “Extend the Runway” to Fulfil a Critical Need

An urgent order for 600,000 COVID-19 test kits from Incheon, South Korea to the USA during a global pandemic requires a rapid and innovative approach. Silkway West Airlines and Envirotainer were tasked by the U.S Government with the transport of time and temperature sensitive test kits needed to combat the global COVID-19 crisis.

In order to save time, a vital decision was taken to fast track the process and get the kits moving closer to the patient’s in need. The team understood that time lost would impact patients, doctors, families and entire communities The Silkway West and Envirotainer team adopted a new business process to “extend the runway”* to get the job done. This enabled Silkway West Airlines (SWW) to lease equipment directly from Envirotainer. Containers were released from the Incheon International Airport (ICN), South Korea and ready to be shipped to Washington, D.C. on April 14. A project solution was underway within 2 days, which allowed all involved parties to meet a critical need.

“Using Silkway West Airlines as a partner, we worked together, with professionalism, urgency and a collaborative manner to deliver the best results possible,” stated Pascal Leuenberger, Global Key Account Manager – Airlines, Envirotainer.

Silk Way West’s Mr. Emile Khasanshin, VP Global Cargo Logistics added, “It simply takes the right team, dedicated to make a difference for all of the right reasons. We were happy to help people”.

Note:  *Extend the Runway = New Business Partnership refers to a New way of working – Direct Lease (for this specific case) Extra mile commitment regarding contractual agreements and timelines. Critical responsibility to meet business expectation of the special flight/service.