The current global health emergency caused by the COVID-19 virus has undoubtedly presented one of the biggest challenges companies from all industries have faced. The impact of governmental decisions, as well as the recommendations of the authorities, has created a paradigm shift in practically all operations.
Prime Air Corp. offers logistics services and has a proven track record in moving critical, heavy or oversized cargo. In recent years, the company has focused much of its services on the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. In the midst of the pandemic, their role is vital in ensuring that the supply chain in those areas continue to operate as usual.
Immediate Solutions
Once calls were made to strengthen security protocols in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19, Prime Air Corp. distributed protective equipment (hand sanitizer, face masks, and gloves) to all employees, contractors, drivers, and other personnel. Strict guidelines were communicated to the route team on prevention measures to be followed when visiting customer delivery areas and drivers were educated on physical distancing rules to ensure their health and safety, as well as the people they serve. This was reported by Ángel Alvelo, manager in charge of the company’s EHS.
Additionally, the company implemented a strong internal communications strategy to guide their staff with informative capsules and educational videos on how to avoid contagion and safety measures to be carried out at their homes. Similarly, all employees are required to have their temperature taken daily to avoid workers with symptoms such as fever in the workplace.
In combination with these safety measures, the company has incorporated remote working in the areas of their operations that allow such, in order to ensure that all essential services are delivered without interruption. Signage was also installed with specific preventive measures.
Continuity of service guaranteed
In addition to caring for its workforce, it is important for the Puerto Rican company to guarantee continuity of their services. According to reports, they maintained their operations without interruptions, providing essential services to the pharmaceutical industry, among others.
Protocols indicated in the executive orders mandated by the Government were incorporated in order to comply with Self Certification requirements in the event of an emergency caused by COVID-19 contagion.
Prime Air Corp. continues to carefully monitor their respective industry regarding COVID-19 prevention measures. They have adopted all necessary protocols established by the Department of Labor and Human Resources (DTRH) and PROSHA to provide increased security to their employees so that the provision of essential services to the drug and medical equipment manufacturing industry may continue to be delivered to the public in a time they are needed most.
Opportunity for growth
As we continue to answer the needs concerning our industry in the face of the pandemic, the truth is that we are living in a new reality in which adaptation is crucial to ensuring the health, safety and security of our airport community like never before. Companies such as Prime Air Corp. that operate from our facilities remain committed to continue providing their essential services and contribute to the country's economic growth, while also learning how to overcome the challenges that come with the "new normal.”
In this context, the company considers that the current situation provides an ideal scenario to drive the growth of the pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing sector in Puerto Rico. “It is also important to develop relationships with airlines to increase the opportunity to transfer charges by increasing connection points for global access, so as to increase competitiveness in terms of imports and exports. This is essential at a time when airlines are evaluating new models of cost effectiveness in their respective routes," stated Iris Vincent, president of Prime Air Corp.