PHARMA F AIR CARG O WEEK


MEETING RISING DEMAND FOR PRECISION THERAPIES


BY Edward HARDY 08 I


“The shift from a one-size-fits- all treatment model to a more personalised approach aims to enhance efficiency.”


nvestment in temperature-controlled airfreight and handling


facilities across the Americas is increasing as pharmaceutical producers expand in Puerto Rico, the United States, and emerging Latin American markets. Carriers and handlers are adding certified storage capacity, trained staff, and real-time monitoring systems to


support biologics, vaccines, and advanced therapies that require strict temperature controls. Growth in cell and gene therapies, as well as personalised medicines,


is driving smaller and more frequent shipments that require tighter monitoring and shorter handling timelines. Providers are focusing on end-to-end visibility and contingency planning as regulators and shippers place greater emphasis on product integrity. Eric Mathieu, Managing Director of Customer Experience at American


Airlines Cargo, said Puerto Rico is becoming a central production location. “Puerto Rico is a leading force in global pharmaceutical manufacturing and is home to production operations for almost all the world’s major companies in the sector,” he said. “Investment in CEIV certification, cold-chain infrastructure, and highly trained staff gives shippers the confidence that we can deliver the reliable service they require.”


Infrastructure expansion and regulatory alignment Pharmaceutical manufacturers and supply chain partners are increasing validated storage capacity and upgrading handling protocols to reduce exposure during loading, unloading, and airport


transfer. The focus


is on minimising time on the tarmac, ensuring controlled storage temperatures, and improving coordination between airlines, forwarders, and ground handlers. In Latin America, governments and industry are continuing to review


cold-chain capabilities to support biologics exports and imports. “In Latin America, there are continuous conversations between governments and international organisations to evaluate and invest in a cold-chain infrastructure that minimises the risk of temperature deviations during transit,” said Mathieu. Differences between good distribution practice regulations in the


United States, Canada, and Latin American markets continue to require operational flexibility. “Regulatory frameworks share common principles but differ in scope, enforcement, and harmonisation levels,” Mathieu said. Digital monitoring, contingency planning and sustainability pressures Carriers are introducing real-time temperature monitoring, automated


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alerts, and central control towers to provide intervention during irregular operations. These measures support rerouting, re-icing, and container replacement where necessary to avoid temperature excursions. American Airlines Cargo has developed a strategy to improve visibility


and temperature assurance throughout the shipment process. “Strong, real-time coordination between our teams and our customers is key,” said Mathieu. “Our 24/7 control tower provides monitoring and support for irregular operations and any other potential delays to the shipment journey.” “This ensures transparency and swift action when needed, and our


robust contingency measures are in place to safeguard the cargo and maintain trust,” he said. Sustainability considerations are influencing packaging and transport


choices, although pharmaceutical integrity remains the priority. Active monitoring enables the use of more efficient packaging systems and optimisation of container use. Investment is also driven by the shift towards smaller batch therapies.


Advanced biologics and cell and gene therapies frequently require temperatures between 2–8°C or as low as -70°C, and are often moved in clinical-trial-sized quantities. Providers are investing in capacity to support these shipments with shorter lead times and increased responsiveness.


Looking to 2030 The growth of personalised medicine is expected to reshape capacity planning and logistics models. Smaller doses, rapid deployment, and stringent


temperature requirements will increase the importance


of certified facilities and real-time network coordination across the Americas. Stakeholders expect growth in both multinational and emerging


biotech activity in Latin America, alongside continued investment in certified airport infrastructure in Puerto Rico and major US gateways. The key pressure point


remains ensuring end-to-end temperature


control while maintaining operational resilience across varied regulatory environments. Mathieu said precision medicine will demand specialised supply


chains. “The shift from a one-size-fits-all treatment model to a more personalised approach aims to enhance efficiency,” he said. “Predictive analytics and the use of AI for enhanced route optimisation and greater end-to-end visibility are expected to evolve further, creating new opportunities for innovation and investment.”


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