TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS


“More than ever, the airfreight industry needs to invest in an integrated multi-modal transport solution as an enhanced business model to strengthen the network and the last-mile delivery.”


environment but also must follow international regulatory requirements, such as those outlined by the EU Good Distribution Practices, US Federal Drug Administration, and standards for temperature-controlled sensitive products published in IATA’s Temperature Control Regulations (TCR). When transporting temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products, quality is key and can’t be jeopardised. Companies that have implemented quality-driven strategy programmes, such as the IATA Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma) programme, are well placed to mitigate the impact of logistical constraints in their strategies. That’s because they’re already aware of the operational challenges, the standards and requirements to be followed, the necessity to have trained and knowledgeable staff, the requirement to have dedicated equipment as well as infrastructure, and the importance of reviewing and adjusting robust risk assessments. Being part of such programmes is a significant advantage in building confidence and trust because non-standardised processes have a detrimental impact. In the long term, a network of sustainable infrastructure, technology-driven initiatives, and people are needed. Global standards must be implemented, reviewed, and maintained through robust audit processes. If this is achieved properly, the results are positive.


What does air cargo supply demand look like and what is your focus for 2022 and beyond? Currently, airfreight demand has stabilised over the past four months at levels well above the pre-pandemic period. Developments in key demand drivers, such as manufacturing production and export orders, remain supportive to the near-term cargo demand, but pandemic-


66 | Clinical Trial Supply Handbook


related supply chain disruptions have been impacting cargo capacity from the connectivity perspective and putting an upward pressure on cargo rates, with some impact on clinical trial shipments. Airfreight facilitates future access to global vaccination programmes. But it won’t be able to act alone. More than ever, the industry needs to invest in an integrated multi-modal transport solution as an enhanced business model to strengthen the network and the last-mile delivery. Access to and from airports and the improvement of land-based infrastructure are initial examples. It is critical that countries implement actions that prioritise the movements of vital life science supplies without disrupting the supply chain. There are good initiatives. The European Commission has waived customs duties and VAT on the import of medical equipment from non-EU countries to combat the effects of COVID-19 and postponed by one year the date of application of the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) that governs the production and distribution of medical devices in Europe. Expedited customs and other border procedures for vital shipments prevent possible temperature excursions due to delays. Collaboration and communication between the public and private sectors are therefore key to ensuring the continued flow of life science supplies. Industry transformation can only be achieved through an integrated, efficient, and collaborative supply chain. Following a continuous improvement approach will result in increased standardisation and transparency across the supply chain. The airfreight logistics supply chain is ambitious and must plan for resilient solutions. The aviation and the pharmaceutical industries


have been working together in collaboration for many years to strengthen the quality requirements with realistic capabilities. Our industry has been adaptive, agile, and responsive. Air cargo will continue its journey by playing a critical role in moving lifesaving supplies to fight the virus and reduce the negative human impact. But global connectivity is still a key element that needs to be solved. As mentioned before, we need passenger flights to connect cities and countries again. Travel restrictions need to disappear. People and goods need to freely move between regions and countries because that creates the global connectivity we need. It’s all about connectivity between countries, connectivity that only passenger flights can create.


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