PERISHABLES


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AIR CARG O WEEK


provide additional protection and critical visibility.


São Paulo’s solution While many LATAM airports are still developing cold chain infrastructure, some are beginning to set benchmarks. São Paulo’s GRU Airport, for example, handles around 21,000 tons of cargo per day, with 30 percent classified as pharmaceutical. “GRU invested in certifications such as CEIV Pharma, continuous process improvement, automated systems,


temperature discrepancy


alerts, and tighter receiving, storage, and shipping SLAs,” Mazzali notes. These measures are designed to reduce temperature excursions and enhance operational flow. Real-time tracking plays a pivotal role. “By providing continuous


monitoring of location and temperature conditions, it allows all stakeholders to detect issues as they occur, not after the fact,” Mazzali explains. Quick decisions can then be made to reroute shipments, adjust storage, or notify reducing waste.


from radiation rather than air temperature. This illustrates the risks posed by solar radiation compared to ambient air.”


Lessons learned Past failures highlight the need for tighter oversight. Mazzali recounts an anonymous biotechnology shipment from Germany: due to reused packaging and mislabelled temperature requirements, a 2 to 8°C shipment was treated incorrectly, resulting in total loss. “We now prioritise checking the temperature between the packaging and the system and resolving the problem within an SLA of one to two hours maximum,” he says. Effective collaboration across shippers, airlines, ground handlers,


response teams, protecting product quality and


Innovations in thermal protection Advanced thermal blankets are gaining traction across the region. Cold Chain Technologies evaluated 18 thermal covers using both ramp- exposure tests and environmental chamber simulations. “Even basic thermal cover can extend temperature protection for several additional hours,” says Cervetto. Interestingly, performance does not always correlate with thickness.


“Most blankets work using a basic insulation principle—the thicker they are, the more they protect. The exception is CCT’s covers, which protect


and suppliers remains critical. “Harmonise and simplify processes! By promoting best practices and aligning operations, stakeholders can improve communication, reduce delays, and deliver a higher standard of service,” Mazzali stresses. With Brazil emerging as a major pharmaceutical export hub, stakeholders


are adapting to meet international compliance standards. Some companies now invest in qualified packaging and validated thermal blankets, while regulatory agencies like ANVISA must step up monitoring and legislation. Looking ahead, Cervetto emphasises education and data sharing.


“Processes are only as good as their weakest link, so there must be a coordinated approach between airlines, airports, customs authorities, 3PLs, and solution providers such as Cold Chain Technologies.” Strengthening Latin America’s cold chain is a matter of urgency. As


Cervetto concludes, “By understanding weaknesses, leveraging technology, and fostering collaboration, the region can reduce tarmac times, protect patient safety, and build a resilient pharmaceutical supply chain.”


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“Harmonise and simplify processes.”


www.aircargoweek.com


13 OCTOBER 2025 ACW


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