Cargolux

Partner of choice for pharmaceutical freight

Renowned airline Cargolux, with hubs in Europe and China, is a leading player in transporting pharmaceuticals. Cargo Magazine spoke with Chris Nielen, Vice President EMEA, about this type of cargo and its specific requirements for transport.

Text and photography Cargolux

What are Cargolux’s pharmaceutical capabilities? Transporting pharmaceuticals, including vaccines, is part of Cargolux’s everyday mission. Considerable investments have been made to establish stringent processes and develop the necessary infrastructure for optimal care. In order to allow for enhanced peace of mind, the airline’s two hubs in Luxembourg (LUX) and Zhengzhou (CGO) are both GDP certified, and an interactive map giving an overview of GHA capabilities at both origin and destination airports is available on the company’s website.

Cargolux is a recognized industry leader when it comes to the transport of medical commodities including pharmaceutical goods, vaccines, and relief material. The airline has a dedicated transport solution, CV pharma, developed to ensure each shipment’s specific needs are met. Delivering life-saving products is a great responsibility and one that Cargolux takes seriously. How does Cargolux ensure safe and efficient transport for these delicate commodities? Health and safety are among the company’s highest priorities and Cargolux is strongly committed to playing its role in preserving global welfare. A dedicated team of experts handles all pharma and healthcare-related shipments to ensure a customized solution is devised for each transport. This ensures the highest standards are upheld throughout the transport process. Cargolux was the first airline to achieve GDP certification and passed its latest re-certification audit at the beginning of 2021, a reflection of its commitment to safe and seamless handling.

Each healthcare product requires different carriage conditions. What measures are taken to ensure every shipment is handled appropriately? Providing first-rate services and end-to-end transport solutions is Cargolux’s promise to its customers. Pharmaceutical products are highly sensitive, a consideration that the airline takes into account for each shipment. The cool chain is a central

focus of the CV pharma product and multiple solutions are available to ensure temperature stability throughout the transport. As an all-cargo carrier, Cargolux offers more flexibility, a significant advantage when handling time-critical freight.

Are there any examples of how Cargolux contributes to global welfare through its pharma handling? Cargolux leverages this expertise to deliver life-saving products to communities in need. During the height of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, Cargolux was one of the only carriers to deliver medical aid to Monrovia, Liberia through a dedicated air bridge. More recently, during the COVID-19 crisis, the airline provided an air bridge between Asia and Europe to transport vital supplies. Since the outbreak, numerous charter flights have been performed to keep goods flowing and communities equipped to face the pandemic.

The carrier has also joined UNICEF’s Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative. Beyond simply delivering medical material where it is most needed, the project aims to prioritize the delivery of vital healthcare products within the supply chain. Cargolux is pleased to take part in this large-scale initiative that is fully aligned with the airline’s values.

How does the company contribute to enhancing and developing the global pharmaceutical supply chain? The company’s commitment to health and safety is unwavering, and keeping communities equipped is part of Cargolux’s philosophy. Consistent quality management systems are implemented along the transportation process and all handling personnel is fully trained. Although transporting pharmaceuticals is part of its regular services, Cargolux is continuously assessing its procedures to identify areas of potential improvement.

In addition to promoting customercentric business procedures, Cargolux’s commitment to sustainability and CSR allow for a holistic approach when dealing with healthcare shipments. The focus on preserving welfare and setting high standards make Cargolux a partner of choice for pharmaceutical freight.

Chris Nielen, Vice President EMEA