The growth of the pharma freight sector presents both challenges and opportunities for the logistics industry. After struggling with capacity constraints during the Covid pandemic, there has been a strong return of passenger travel which means additional belly capacity and airlines increasing frequencies across all regions. 

This, coupled with the prevailing economic downturn and resulting decrease in orders across most industries, has resulted in pricing pressure as customers are seeking cost-effective solutions whilst still maintaining the standards and speed necessary for their healthcare goods. 

Operating an extensive pharma network, AFKLMP encompasses at least 65 destinations with daily connections from the hubs in Paris and Amsterdam and 100 locations connected at least three times weekly.

“AFKLMP, as a mainly belly cargo carrier, closely follows the demand and challenges,” Lauren Stolt, Global Head of Pharmaceutical Logistics at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, said. “Our commitment to the pharmaceutical industry has led us to develop a range of specialised solutions.” 

“From passive solutions where we ensure that customer packaged Pharma shipments are transported and stored within the specified temperature range to Active solutions, sophisticated container solutions to ensure that your Pharma shipment is kept at a constant temperature and in a closed environment throughout the journey,” Stolt added. “Together with this we offer end-to-end visibility through our digital platforms. We also provide personalised customer support to ensure that our pharmaceutical clients receive tailored solutions that meet their specific needs,” she added. 

Standards and strategic partnerships

AFKLMP understands the critical importance of adhering to stringent industry standards, especially in the pharmaceutical sector where efficiency and effectiveness is key. 

To meet these requirements, AFKLMP has obtained various certifications and quality standards, including being the first airline to be International Air Transport Association (IATA) CEIV certified three times back-to-back. 

“This certification ensures that our pharma operations maintain the highest standards of quality and integrity throughout the supply chain,” Stolt stated.

Leveraging its relationships with CMA CGM and a joint venture with Delta and Virgin, AFKLMP has positioned itself as a trusted partner for pharmaceutical companies and forwarders. 

“Together with our partners and suppliers, we ensure that we meet the demands of pharmaceutical logistics by expanding our network and product offerings as necessary. We have recently added Raleigh to our winter network, allowing us to cater to the above-average growth currently observed,” Stolt explained. 

READ: Digital journey drives customer experience

Investment and innovation

Balancing speed and safety in pharmaceutical logistics is paramount. AFKLMP looks to achieve this by offering numerous services, such as its recently launched Cargo Plus service. This new ‘plus’ service is intended for shipments requiring extra priority. This, coupled with implementing strict temperature controls, employing dedicated handling procedures, and collaborating closely with partners to optimise supply chain processes ensures they prioritise safety without compromising the efficiency of operations.

“The future of pharmaceutical logistics is filled with promise and potential. With the continued growth in demand for specialised services, such as personalised medicine, clinical trials with a focus on rare disease and orphan drugs, we are exploring innovative solutions,” Stolt outlined. “We are working with all parties in the pharmaceutical chain for enhanced transparency and security, as well as further advancements in cold chain and digital spaces.”

AFKLMP’s goal is to remain at the forefront of pharmaceutical cargo operations and provide clients with cutting-edge solutions that meet their evolving needs by close collaboration with all parties in the cool chain.

“We’ve made significant investments in infrastructure and digital technology to ensure the seamless handling of pharmaceutical cargo. This includes temperature-controlled warehouses, state-of-the-art cargo facilities at our hubs Amsterdam and Paris as well as advanced tracking systems that supply real-time monitoring and visibility,” Stolt highlighted. “Our current and continued investments are aimed at guaranteeing the integrity of pharmaceutical shipments from start to finish.”

Technological transparency 

Data analytics and real-time monitoring are crucial in maintaining the integrity of pharmaceutical cargo. AFKLMP’s commitment to temperature control and monitoring is visible through the customer portal myCargo. 

This platform provides customers with real-time access to their pharmaceutical bookings allowing them to track their shipment in real-time and make changes when needed. This level of control ensures that customers always have visibility into the status of their pharmaceutical cargo. 

Furthermore, AFKLMP is continuously enhancing its digital pharma offerings, such as online booking for Dry Ice shipments and Active containers. Most recently they’ve introduced real-time tracking of Envirotainer Active containers via the myCargo platform and there is more in the pipeline for 2024. 

“This dedication to technological advancements ensures that pharmaceutical cargo remains not only safe and secure but also well-managed and transparent throughout the logistics process,” Stolt said.

READ: AFKLMP enhances cargo solutions

Minimised impact

AFKLMP is committed to sustainability and has taken several steps to minimise the environmental impact of its operations. These initiatives encompass a multifaceted approach, ranging from investing in fuel-efficient aircraft and optimising flight routes to adopting various sustainable measures for ground handling; such as the introduction of eco-friendly solutions like carton beams and lightweight ULD (Unit Load Device) nets, transitioning towards electrical equipment, and implementing effective waste management strategies. 

“We are actively exploring sustainable packaging solutions to further enhance our eco-conscious efforts,” Stolt stated. “These efforts are further complemented by our Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) programme.” 

Most recently, AFKLMP unveiled its ‘goSAF’ proposition, a development that empowers customers to play a direct role in environmental conservation. Through the myCargo portal, customers can effortlessly purchase a SAF contribution at the booking level, resulting not only in a reduced carbon footprint at the Air Waybill (AWB) level but also symbolising steadfast commitment to the cause of environmental sustainability.