Come fly with me — we talk with AirBridgeCargo about logistics in pharma
Here, we speak with Sergey Lazarev, general director of AirBridgeCargo Airlines about logistics in the pharma market, what it means to be an IATA CEIV Pharma-certified company and the future of pharma transportation.
Q. Could you give a brief overview of AirBridgeCargo (ABC) in general and what makes you unique in your service to the pharmaceutical industry?
A. ABC is a global cargo airline that is expanding its route network to connect customers in the trans-regional markets of Asia, Europe and North America, covering more than 30 major cargo gateways and accommodating trade flows worldwide. All the flights are operated via ABC’s cargo hub in Moscow Sheremetyevo airport, enabling connection throughout the airline’s expanded international network within a 48-hour delivery time, including handling.
There are hardly unique air carriers for transportation of pharmaceuticals, as each carrier tries to handle this special cargo in the most effective manner. AirBridgeCargo has been developing its abc pharma product with an understanding of how it might benefit the end consumer (patient).
On top of this, we always partner with supply chain stakeholders that share our corporate values and understand that development of this sector is possible through joint efforts, cooperation and data-sharing.
Q. There are lots of different airline pharma products being offered – what should shippers look for in a specialist pharma product?
A. Shippers look at service quality, proven track record of successful pharma operations, IATA CEIV certification (which serves as an industry benchmark), diversified ULDs and pharma containers, extensive international network with QEP accreditation, certified and skilled personnel, availability of online information, as well as the possibility to have a one-call option to figure out all the shipment records and status.
Q. What does it mean to be an IATA CEIV Pharma-certified company?
A. With an increasing number of regulations around the world to implement and comply with it has become evident that the supply chain industry needed unified, globally consistent and acknowledged regulations or certification to serve as a benchmark for the market, and customers. IATA CEIV has become just this.
To sum up, the benefits ABC has gained so far through IATA CEIV certification:
- Certified and trained personnel to handle temperature-sensitive products
- Certified facilities, equipment, premises and aligned handling procedures
- Implementation of best practices
- Acknowledgement and compliance of all internal process with high requirements of pharmaceutical industry
- Reduced number of audits required
- Possibility to speak ‘one language’ with the industry
- Cooperation with companies, partners, sharing the same values in transportation of pharma products
Q. Recently, ABC and Shanghai Pudong International Airport Cargo Terminal (PACTL) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), could you give us more details on this new agreement and how it will benefit pharma customers globally speaking?
A. The Pharmaceutical sector sets a high level of expectations for all supply chain stakeholders. Understanding the need for high-end services our customers expect us to provide, we have entered into collaborative relationships with partners, such as PACTL.
Through our latest MoU with PACTL, we will look to promote the time and temperature sensitive products transportation and deliver the best service to our customers. We believe that our joint efforts in this regard could make a significant contribution to the development of the pharma market for both companies.
Q. Do you expect pharma volumes to continue to grow and what are your customers’ requirements?
A. Transportation of pharmaceuticals is a big business, complex, demanding, requiring a high level of standards’ compliance. But most importantly, is that a human life can depend on the actions and operations taken during the transportation process.
The driving growth in handling pharma products is the desire of the end consumer to have the latest medicine available, when and where needed, or for doctors to have essential medical supplies. Development of the latest vaccines, medicines, vitamins to protect health and struggle against severe diseases also stimulates a boom for transportation of pharma products.
The pharma sector shows significant growth rates around the world, with logistics being no exception. Customers’ requirements are very simple — reliable and safe transportation, with available real-time, round-the-clock tracing info, which should be easily readable and understandable.