AIR CARG O WEEK


PHARMA F


THE EVOLVING ROLE OF COOL CHAIN LOGISTICS


BY Edward HARDY


08


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“Disruption has become the norm.”


n today’s globalised economy, the ability to move temperature- sensitive goods rapidly and reliably has become a cornerstone of modern logistics. As demand grows for the global transfer of perishables—from fresh produce and seafood to pharmaceuticals and vaccines—the airfreight industry finds itself increasingly dependent


on the resilience of the cool chain. The cool chain, a temperature-controlled supply chain designed to


ensure the integrity of sensitive goods, is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. This is especially true in airfreight, where the speed of transit must be matched with strict handling standards to maintain product quality throughout the journey. “Airfreight has become a vital pillar of the cool chain, particularly for


high-value or highly perishable items,” Mike Parr, CEO UK and Ireland for PML Seafrigo, a specialist in cold chain logistics, explained. “But speed alone doesn’t guarantee success. The entire journey—airport to warehouse, handling, customs, onward transport—must be synchronised with precise temperature control.”


Climate of complexity The demands on the airfreight cool chain have intensified in recent years. A perfect storm of geopolitical conflicts, regulatory uncertainty, and volatile fuel prices has placed significant pressure on the sector. Ongoing conflicts in regions such as Ukraine and the Middle East have disrupted established trade lanes, led to bottlenecks in airspace availability, and driven up operating costs. “Airfreight providers are now working within a far more complex


framework than ever before,” Parr said. “Disruption has become the norm. But even in the face of those challenges, there’s zero tolerance for failure in the cool chain. If the temperature strays just a few degrees outside of range, the product can be rendered useless.” This is particularly critical in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, where


even slight deviations in storage temperature can impact product efficacy. Similarly, the agricultural sector depends on timely airfreight to get freshly harvested goods to market in a viable window. In addition to the physical movement of goods, temperature monitoring


protocols, packaging technology, and responsive logistics planning all play a role in ensuring the integrity of shipments. However, many providers are still failing to meet these expectations consistently. “You’d be surprised how many shipments of fresh produce are still


handled without the proper temperature monitoring,” Parr noted. “There are even instances where perishables are stored in ambient warehouses during transit—something that should simply not be happening in 2025.”


Post-pandemic pivot The aftermath of the pandemic has left a lasting imprint on logistics. As the industry rebuilds, many shippers are re-evaluating their supply chains, prioritising flexibility and reliability over cost alone.


ACW 28 JULY 2025 www.aircargoweek.com


“What we’re seeing now is a shift in mindset,” Parr stated. “Businesses


are no longer content with the cheapest route—they want the most reliable one. And for temperature-sensitive goods, reliability means visibility and control at every step.” This evolution is pushing the airfreight sector to invest in advanced


cold chain infrastructure. Technologies like real-time data loggers, IoT- enabled pallets, and smart packaging are becoming increasingly common, offering greater transparency and reducing the risk of spoilage. But it’s not just technology that needs updating—trade routes are


evolving too. The Middle East, for instance, has emerged as a critical hub for cool chain airfreight, thanks to its strategic geographic location and investment in state-of-the-art cargo facilities. “We’re seeing strong growth in Middle Eastern trade lanes,” Parr


observed. “Countries in the region are recognising the importance of cold chain logistics and building the infrastructure to support it.”


Regulation, compliance and the Brexit legacy In Europe,


the impact of Brexit continues to challenge cool chain


operators, particularly in the airfreight sector where customs clearance and regulatory compliance are crucial. Recent shifts in EU trade protocols and the delayed implementation of new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks have added to industry uncertainty. “We’ve had years of preparing for one version of post-Brexit regulation,


only to be hit with constant changes and no clear guidance,” says Parr. “It’s created chaos, particularly at the border. And when you’re dealing with perishables, delays aren’t just inconvenient—they’re costly.” The lack of clarity around inspections, particularly for non-EU imports,


remains a significant concern for cold chain operators. Many in the industry are calling for round-the-clock inspection availability, streamlined customs, and greater investment in specialist handling facilities. “If the government is serious about safeguarding the UK’s food supply


and pharma networks, then cool chain airfreight has to be part of the conversation,” Parr warned. “We need coherent policy, clear timelines and better collaboration between regulators and logistics providers.”


Resilient, transparent cool chain As consumer demand grows for fresher food, more precise medicines, and faster delivery times, the role of the airfreight cool chain will only become more central. The challenge now is ensuring that infrastructure, policy and training keep pace with that demand. Future success in the sector will depend on three core factors: smart


investment in facilities and technology, strategic route planning, and an unwavering focus on training and compliance. “This isn’t a space for cutting corners,” Parr concluded. “The businesses


that will thrive are the ones that treat the cool chain as a science, not just a service. That means adopting the latest tools, training the best people, and making sure every link in the chain is unbreakable.”


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