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uerto Rico is setting a global example in life sciences air cargo by striving to seamlessly connect pharmaceutical production with the patients who need them most. As the island invests in infrastructure, certifications, and collaborative strategies, it is cementing its position as a premier hub for temperature-


sensitive and high-value shipments in the Americas. “The mission is for Puerto Rico to become the best quality


pharmaceutical and medical device hub in the Americas,” Jonas van Stekelenburg of the Puerto Rico Life Sciences Air Cargo Community, said. President of E.T.H. Cargo Services, Sasha Cruz, reinforced this


sentiment: “Puerto Rico, as small as it is, remains one of the largest exporters of pharmaceuticals and medical devices in the Americas. By uniting shippers, forwarders, airlines, ground handlers, and truckers, we’re maintaining the quality needed to move life-saving medications and products.” Despite its pivotal role, Puerto Rico’s contribution often flies under


the radar. “Puerto Rico doesn’t show up in global statistics because most


exports first go to the mainland United States, making them domestic flights,” van Stekelenbur explained. Yet a deeper dive into state-by-state data reveals Puerto Rico’s


strength. “We rank in the top two or three U.S. states for life sciences and


medical device exports. Out of the top ten most famous drugs produced worldwide, at least five or six are made in Puerto Rico,” Cruz highlighted. The island’s future as a logistics powerhouse depends on improving


infrastructure, particularly for temperature-controlled storage. “There’s a huge lack of energy-controlled warehouses for the industry,”


said Cruz. “Investments in cool storage facilities are critical to maintain quality during the transition from production to export.” van Stekelenbur added, “Unlike Europe, where manufacturers often


have their own storage facilities, Puerto Rico relies on separate providers. This unique setup increases the need for robust infrastructure.” The community has already taken significant steps by promoting


certifications like IATA’s CEIV Pharma. “We’ve had seven companies achieve this certification,


including airlines, handlers, and truckers,” van Stekelenbur noted. “Raising the


quality bar across all players ensures a seamless cold chain.” As the life sciences industry moves towards personalised medicine,


logistics must keep pace. “We’re now shipping more cell and gene therapies—medications


tailored to individual patients,” explained Sasha. “These shipments are smaller but incredibly high in value. Any


temperature deviation can render the treatment ineffective, potentially endangering lives.” Real-time tracking is crucial


to safeguarding these sensitive


shipments. “We need to monitor not just location but also temperature and light exposure,” Cruz stressed. “If a box is opened prematurely, alerts can trigger interventions to preserve the product.” van Stekelenbur underscored the importance of these advancements:


“The products themselves are innovating rapidly. This places new demands on the logistics chain, making real-time tracking and quality


assurance even more critical.” The Puerto Rico Life Sciences Air Cargo Community aims to create a


unified ecosystem that appeals to global manufacturers. “Once all stakeholders—from truckers to airlines—are aligned on


quality standards, we can approach manufacturers and say, ‘Come to Puerto Rico,’” Cruz said. “The island


has the workforce, and now we’re building the


transportation infrastructure to match.” van Stekelenbur described the community’s approach as grassroots


and collaborative: “We’re improving every aspect of logistics, from legal frameworks to track-and-trace technologies. This foundational work will position us for long-term success.” As Cruz summarised, “From the lab to the patient, every step of the


journey matters. Puerto Rico is ensuring that life-saving treatments reach their destinations safely and efficiently.”


The weekly newspaper for air cargo professionals No. 1,308 9 December 2024


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