Nov 14 (NHK) - Officials at Japan's main international gateway are preparing to take delivery of some eagerly awaited cargo.
The staff at Narita Airport, near Tokyo, are working on the logistics to receive and distribute COVID-19 vaccines.
Japan has effectively reached a deal with US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer to buy enough vaccine for 60 million people. The challenge is to ensure the medication remains frozen between minus 60 and 80 degrees Celsius.
Narita officials are working with nine logistics firms to build a transport system that can handle vast quantities of the drug in temperature-controlled environments.
They say one of the companies is certified by the International Air Transport Association to handle medical supplies. The organization applies the strictest standards anywhere in the world.
Narita officials say the other firms are also aiming to acquire the certificate.
