United, DHL expand San Juan operations

United Airlines and DHL Global Forwarding will increase the number passenger services with refrigerated cargo capacity, as well as grow available cold chain storage for temperature-controlled cargoes, the companies said in a joint statement.    United Airlines (UAL) and DHL Global Forwarding are expanding operations in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the companies said in a joint statement.
   UAL and Deutsche Post DHL Group ocean and airfreight subsidiary will increase the number and capacity of refrigerated wide-body passenger flights to the region, as well as grow available cold chain storage for temperature-controlled cargoes.
   Beginning Dec. 18, UAL will increase wide-body service between San Juan’s Luis Munoz Marin Airport and the airline’s hub at Newark Liberty International Airport from one weekly flight to six. The route will operate with Boeing 777 passenger aircraft, offering increased refrigerated bellyhold capacity for shippers.
   DHL will expand its warehousing capabilities but dividing the company’s current 5,616-square-foot facility in San Juan into three independently operated cold chambers with a combined capacity of 324 pallets, using single pallet racks or 486 pallets on double deep racks. The company said each of the three chambers will operate at 15 to 25° C (59 to 77° F) and have 100 percent redundant refrigeration systems, as well as a hot gas injection system to maintain required relative humidity levels.
   “Pharmaceutical companies have increasingly invested in Puerto Rico over the years, and they need a strong global network and cold chain infrastructure to handle their delicate medicines and pharmaceutical products,” said Frank Cascante, head of sales and marketing for DHL Temperature Management Solutions at DHL Global Forwarding. “DHL Global Forwarding is investing in Puerto Rico by expanding to meet the growing needs of this important market by offering it our cutting-edge temperature-controlled services.”
   “Building strong, collaborative relationships with United Cargo customers allows us to share innovative ideas and opportunities to ensure we meet the needs of the global health care community,” added United Cargo Vice President of Sales Americas Jim Bellinder. “By expanding our TempControl service for temperature-sensitive patient care products into San Juan, United is improving the lives and health of people in Puerto Rico and around the world.”