GROWING GLOBAL PHARMA HUB

Emirates SkyPharma is a purpose-built facility, dedicated exclusively for the handling of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments. Through its airfreight operation, Emirates SkyCargo, the carrier transports roughly 100 million kilogrammes of temperaturecontrolled pharmaceuticals annually.

This is accomplished through its network of wide-body passenger planes, including the B777 and flagship A380, as well as its dedicated fleet of 11 B777-F freighter aircraft. In terms of capacity, this amounts to the equivalent of loading 1,020 B777-F freighters.

In addition to cold storage, Emirates SkyCargo also offers valueadded services such as re-icing, with a dedicated, centralised control tower in Dubai, which monitors and tracks all pharma shipments, mitigating any potential irregularities.

Emirates SkyPharma provides a temperature-controlled space of more than 8,800m2, specifically designed for pharmaceutical shipments. The facility is located at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) and is connected by a dedicated 24/7 bonded and refrigerated trucking service. The facility includes two specific areas for varying temperature ranges, 372 cool cells, 88 temperature-controlled automated ULD handling positions, and 12 temperature-controlled acceptance and delivery truck docks.

To make sure pharmaceutical cargo remains in a stable environment at all times, there are two specific temperature zones configured within the Emirates SkyPharma facility: 2-8°C (COL) and 15-25°C (CRT).

SkyCargo has a dedicated section for managing active containers, equipped with plug-in points, recharging and battery replacement capabilities, and procedures for dry ice replenishment. This ensures that the most delicate items receive the highest level of temperature control handling.

“Maintaining the cold chain is paramount, and the Emirates SkyPharma hub provides a comprehensive solution with its temperature-controlled zones, complete with integrated police, customs, and screening facilities,” Julian Sutch, Pharma Global Commercial Development, Emirates, said.

“This ensures that consignments remain in a stable environment throughout their transit or while awaiting collection or delivery. Given the stringent regulations governing the pharmaceutical industry, the hub allows for the presence of Municipality and Government officials on-site at all times for inspections and document clearance,” he added.

Largest of its kind

Emirates SkyPharma has obtained certification from Bureau Veritas for complying with the EU Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines on medicinal products meant for human use. As a result, it has become the largest multi-airport hub in the world to achieve GDP compliance. Our certification affirms our commitment to adhering to stringent guidelines during the shipment journey, covering Dubai International Airport, Dubai World Central, and the trucking GDP-certified hub.

Thanks to its extensive network and hub, Emirates SkyCargo has the capability to deliver pharmaceuticals to over 150 destinations quickly and efficiently - and speed is often crucial when it comes to Pharma. Customers rely on the reliability and effectiveness of the infrastructure at both ends of the cargo’s journey, particularly the temperature control process, which is critical to maintaining the integrity of the shipment.