AIR CARG O WEEK


PHARMA


SUPPLEMENT


PHARMACEUTICALS BY AIRFREIGHT: THE ISSUES, TRENDS AND CONSIDERATIONS


T


he global pharmaceutical industry relies heavily on airfreight to ensure timely and secure delivery of vital medicines, vaccines and biologics across international markets. With rising demand for


rapid delivery of high-value and temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, the air cargo sector has become an essential


link in the healthcare supply chain. Pharma airfreight is not merely a logistics function; it is a critical component of patient care, where delays, temperature excursions or security lapses can have significant health implications.


Airfreight’s role Airfreight is often the preferred mode of transport for pharmaceuticals due to the time sensitivity of many drugs. High-value, life-saving treatments - such as insulin, vaccines, cancer therapies and biologics - require strict environmental control and minimal transit time to maintain efficacy and safety; creating superior speed and better


responsiveness to market


fluctuations or emergency demand, such as during pandemics or regional health crises. Pharmaceutical


companies, logistics providers, and regulatory


agencies work collaboratively to ensure that products are transported in compliance with global Good Distribution Practices (GDP), including those mandated by the European Union, the World Health Organization (WHO) and national regulatory authorities. These guidelines address temperature management,


documentation, security and chain of


custody requirements. Maintaining temperature control throughout the journey - commonly


referred to as “cold chain management” - is arguably the most critical challenge in pharmaceutical airfreight. Many drugs must be stored within strict temperature ranges (e.g., 2°C to 8°C for refrigerated items, or -20°C for some biologics) to retain their efficacy. Even brief excursions can render products ineffective or unsafe. Recent trends show increased investment in temperature-controlled packaging,


real-time tracking technologies,


and airport infrastructure enhancements. The rise of passive packaging solutions (such as phase-change materials and vacuum-insulated panels) and active containers with built-in refrigeration has helped mitigate risk. Additionally, pharmaceutical companies are demanding greater transparency and accountability from logistics providers through data logging and end-to-end temperature visibility. Pharmaceuticals are a prime target for theft and counterfeiting due


to their high value and global demand. Counterfeit drugs not only pose severe health risks but also erode brand trust and financial performance for manufacturers. Airfreight


is still vulnerable during transit and


handling stages. Security measures in airfreight have evolved to include tamper-evident


packaging, secure pallets, and digital chain-of-custody documentation. The increasing use of blockchain technology and IoT-enabled tracking devices enhances transparency and reduces the risk of fraud and diversion. The EU Falsified Medicines Directive and similar regulations in other


jurisdictions have compelled


the industry to adopt stricter traceability protocols, such as serialisation and barcoding. Nevertheless,


ensuring compliance across multiple borders and logistics partners remains a complex challenge. Proper handling of pharmaceuticals requires not only infrastructure


but also trained personnel at every stage of the supply chain. Missteps in manual handling, customs delays,


or poor schemes (Centre documentation can


compromise product integrity and regulatory compliance. A growing trend is the certification of logistics providers under such as IATA’s CEIV Pharma


of Excellence for


Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics), which standardises handling practices across the airfreight supply chain. Airlines, ground handlers, and freight forwarders increasingly seek this certification to demonstrate competency and build trust with pharmaceutical shippers.


Human vs animal pharma While both human and veterinary pharmaceuticals require care during transport, there are nuanced differences in their airfreight requirements. Human pharmaceuticals are subject to more stringent regulatory oversight, particularly in terms of licensing, documentation, and cold chain verification. The human health market typically involves higher-value products, such as personalised therapies or advanced biologics, which often demand more precise temperature controls and tighter security measures. Veterinary pharmaceuticals, while still


regulated, may have more


flexibility in packaging and transit conditions depending on the product. For instance, treatments for livestock in developing countries may be designed with broader temperature tolerances. However, the rise of premium pet healthcare and zoonotic disease control, such as avian flu or rabies, is raising the bar for animal pharma logistics, particularly in regions with sophisticated veterinary markets. Both segments face challenges with customs clearance, labelling, and


regulatory differences across countries. In some cases, the classification of a product - whether it is for human or animal use - can significantly impact import/export procedures and permissible air routes. Understanding pharmaceutical


the differences requirements between further human highlights and the complexity


In our next supplement, we look at Special Cargo.


If you wish to be involved, please contact the editor, James Graham at james.graham@azurainternational.com.


animal of


this field. As the global demand for safe, efficient, and compliant pharmaceutical transport grows, airfreight providers must continue to adapt, invest and innovate to support this vital sector of global health.


See you next month!


James James GRAHAM, ACW Supplement Editor


The ACW Supplement Team


Supplement Editor: ACW Editor:


News Reporter: Regional Representative (APAC):


James Graham Edward Hardy


Anastasiya Simsek Ajinkya Gurav


Regional Representative (North America): Oscar Sardinas Associate Editor:


Director of Operations: International Media Sales Director:


Chris Lewis Kim Smith


Rosa Bellanca


Senior Publishing And Events Manager: Chris Richman International Sales Executive: Finance Manager:


Design & Production Manager: Production Supervisor: Website Consultant: Managing Director:


Zainab Khalid Rachel Burns Alex Brown Kevin Dennis


Tim Brocklehurst Steven Polmans


The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Whilst every care is taken, the publishers cannot be held legally responsible for any errors in articles or advertisements. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by electronic, mechanical, photographic or other means without the prior consent of the publishers. USA: The publishers shall not be liable for losses, claims, damages or expenses arising out of or attributed to the contents of Air Cargo Week, insofar as they are based on information, presentations, reports or data that have been publicly disseminated, furnished or otherwise communicated to Air Cargo Week.


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