Qatar Airways Cargo Successfully Transports Pharma Shipments in Partnership with DHL Global Forwarding

DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways Cargo and DHL Global Forwarding have flown 246 containers of active pharma shipments from Milan, Italy to Chicago, USA between October through December 2020. From Chicago, the containers were transported by temperature-controlled trucks to Indianapolis. These pharma shipments are being moved using RAP active containers leased from both DokaSch and Envirotainer.

The pharma shipments consist of insulin, an injectable prescription medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes used to improve blood sugar (glucose) and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in people who have heart diseases or multiple cardiovascular risk factors.

Qatar Airways’ Chief Officer Cargo, Mr. Guillaume Halleux, said: “We are glad to support DHL Global Forwarding with this large movement of injectable prescription medicines that will benefit adults with type 2 diabetes. The logistics around pharmaceutical transportation is complex and being at the forefront of time and temperature-sensitive transportation, we understand the intricacies of a seamless cool chain. Our QR Pharma solution is designed keeping in mind the seamless transport of all kinds of pharmaceuticals and healthcare products.”  

Christian Giacomin, Head of Airfreight Product Capacity Management & Pricing at DHL Global Forwarding (Italy) Spa said, “This important cooperation with Qatar Airways Cargo is a further step that adds value to our comprehensive portfolio of transportation solutions for the
pharmaceutical products, enforcing our long-lasting expertise in this sector.”

To be able to support its customer and the end user of the product, the airline implemented an additional weekly frequency directly from Milan to Chicago, bringing the total number of B777 freighters from Milan to Chicago to three per week.

Qatar Airways Cargo has invested considerably in quality handling, infrastructure, facilities, people and procedures at each of its pharma stations, which span over 77 destinations. The cargo carrier recently added SkyCell’s hybrid container to its existing range of pharma container offering, giving its customers an extensive choice when deciding how to transport their pharmaceutical products.

The carrier’s commitment to quality handling of pharmaceutical products is further demonstrated with the recent award of IATA CEIV Pharma certification for both Qatar Airways Cargo at its headquarters in Doha and Qatar Aviation Services Cargo, its ground handling partner at Hamad International Airport.

The significant investments in cold chain management are part of the cargo carrier’s strategy andcommitment to improving and enhancing its product offering and also support the logistics around the global COVID-19 vaccination endeavour.