Making air cargo conducive for pharmaceutical logistics

The pharmaceutical industry relies heavily on air cargo for the swift and secure transportation of temperature-sensitive and high-value products. Ensuring that air cargo operations are conducive to pharma logistics is essential for maintaining product integrity and meeting global healthcare demands.

Growing demand…

The global air cargo market has been experiencing significant growth, with volumes projected to reach 62 million tonnes in 2024, reflecting the sector’s critical role in global trade.

This expansion is driven by the increasing need for rapid transportation solutions, particularly for time-sensitive pharmaceutical products. Temperature-controlled pharma shipments constitute approximately 4% of total air cargo tonnages globally and about 10% of worldwide special product tonnages.

This highlights the substantial share of pharmaceuticals in air freight and underscores the importance of optimising air cargo services to meet the specific requirements of the pharma industry.

Challenges as a bottleneck

Pharmaceutical products often require strict temperature control, with deviations potentially compromising product efficacy and safety. Maintaining an unbroken cold chain during air transport is challenging due to varying climates, handling procedures, and potential delays.

Real-time visibility and traceability of shipments are critical for pharma shippers. Lack of transparency can lead to challenges in monitoring conditions, managing inventory, and responding to potential disruptions promptly.

Navigating diverse regulatory requirements across countries adds complexity to pharma logistics. Compliance with international standards and local regulations necessitates meticulous documentation, faster clearance and adherence to stringent guidelines.

Leveraging the strategic technology advantage

Cargo Community Systems (CCS) enriched with Internet of Things (IoT) devices offer unparalleled visibility into pharma shipments. IoT sensors embedded within shipments can monitor temperature, humidity, light exposure, and location in real time. These systems relay data to a centralised cargo community systems enabling stakeholders to track shipment conditions throughout the journey.

Advanced alerts trigger proactive interventions if conditions deviate from predefined thresholds, ensuring the integrity of sensitive pharmaceutical products. This real-time transparency minimises risks, enhances operational decision-making, and ensures that goods arrive in optimal condition.

AI integration within cargo community systems revolutionises air cargo handling by enabling predictive analytics and automated decision-making. AI algorithms analyse historical shipment data and current conditions to predict potential risks, such as temperature excursions, route delays, or equipment failures.

Also, integration of logistics and customs control towers with cargo community systems will create a smart trade lane offering complete visibility and transparency in the overall operations for exporters and importers.

For example, AI can recommend alternative routes to avoid delays caused by weather or congestion. Predictive maintenance schedules for temperature-controlled equipment, such as cool dollies or storage facilities, ensure uninterrupted operations, reducing the likelihood of equipment-related disruptions and safeguarding pharma shipments.

Roadmap

The air cargo and freight logistics market is expected to grow from $208.79 billion in 2023 to $225.06 billion in 2024, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8%. This growth is indicative of the increasing reliance on air freight for industries like pharmaceuticals that demand rapid and reliable transportation solutions.

To meet the evolving needs of the pharma sector, continuous advancements in technology, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks are imperative. Embracing digitalisation, enhancing collaboration among stakeholders, and investing in specialised facilities will be key drivers in making air cargo more conducive for pharma logistics, ultimately ensuring that life-saving medications reach patients safely and efficiently worldwide.