• Frontier Scientific Solutions launched the first dedicated life sciences air corridor between Shannon, Ireland, and Wilmington, North Carolina, using Boeing 767 freighters to ensure GDP-compliant, temperature-controlled transport for pharmaceuticals and medical devices
• The service operates six weekly flights with FTZ-enabled facilities at both airports, reducing handoffs, streamlining customs, and protecting shipment integrity through direct runway access and real-time temperature monitoring
• The initiative strengthens transatlantic pharma logistics, creates 350 jobs across both hubs, and enhances global supply chain resilience by minimising risk and improving reliability for critical medical shipments

Frontier Scientific Solutions has unveiled the world’s first air route schedule dedicated exclusively to life sciences, linking Shannon, Ireland, and Wilmington, North Carolina. The initiative establishes a temperature-controlled corridor designed to reduce transit times, minimise handling, and protect the integrity of critical pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

The new service operates Boeing 767 wide-body freighters on a tri-weekly schedule in each direction, ensuring dedicated capacity without co-mingling of general cargo. Departures from Wilmington occur on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, arriving in Shannon later the same day, while flights from Shannon to Wilmington run Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

The corridor aligns with stringent Good Distribution Practice (GDP) regulations, with integrated facilities designed to maintain cGMP compliance throughout transit. By reducing handoffs and incorporating direct runway access, the route seeks to mitigate temperature excursions and enhance predictability for clinical and commercial shipments. Free Trade Zone (FTZ) status at both airports streamlines customs processing, a notable advantage in cross-border pharmaceutical logistics.

Ireland and North Carolina were selected for their strategic positions within global life sciences supply chains. Shannon is a hub for European pharmaceutical exports, supported by air and sea connections and long-standing FTZ benefits. Wilmington provides direct runway access, proximity to the Port of Wilmington, and a logistical nexus to East Coast and Midwest U.S. markets. Together, the locations aim to provide faster, safer, and more efficient door-to-door transport compared with traditional multi-stop routes.

Frontier anticipates creating approximately 350 jobs over the next three to five years across Shannon and Wilmington, including roles in temperature-controlled operations, quality assurance, engineering, and customer support. The company’s integrated air-and-ground network combines real-time in-flight temperature monitoring with dedicated customer service teams, reducing risk for high-value shipments such as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and finished medicines.

Leandro Moreira, Frontier’s President of Transportation, said: “Drawing on years of experience in the aviation and life sciences sectors, we have long recognized the need for a reliable, efficient, and GDP-compliant air transportation corridor designed exclusively for life science. At Frontier Scientific Solutions, we are now making that concept a reality,”

“This dedicated, temperature-controlled route between the United States and Europe strengthens the global life sciences supply chain by reducing touch points, minimising risk, and ensuring product integrity — ultimately supporting our mission to protect patient safety and save lives.”

Local airport authorities emphasised the broader economic implications. Ray O’Driscoll, interim CEO of Shannon Airport Group, noted that the service “represents a significant milestone for our region and reinforces Shannon’s role as a strategic gateway for the pharmaceutical sector.” Wilmington International Airport’s director, Jeff Bourk, highlighted the operational benefits, citing the combination of direct runway access and FTZ capabilities as a competitive advantage in pharmaceutical transportation.

“A dedicated life sciences route to the U.S. strengthens the transatlantic bridge for critical medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients and supports the creation of high-quality jobs across the region.”

“Wilmington is proud to serve as Frontier’s U.S. hub,” said Jeff Bourk, Director, Wilmington International Airport. “Direct runway access combined with FTZ capabilities creates an advantage within the pharmaceutical transportation industry, while also promoting life sciences growth and regional economic development.”